School dances are always some of the most vivid core memories students carry from their high school years. The day of the dance is packed with anticipation, before-and-after plans, and nonstop excitement. These events are more than just music and lights; they’re moments students look back on long after graduation. 

With winter formal just around the corner, Leadership announced the theme: Groove and Glow. According to Ms. Molatore, the teacher guiding the Leadership program, the dance decorations will feature black lights, neon colors, and glow-in-the-dark designs, with the promise of a well-thought-out dance. 

So why is the attendance, particularly for the winter formal, down?

Some of the Leadership program participants believe that it has to do with the timing. Winter formal usually takes place one to two weeks after finals, and although the dance could be an opportunity to celebrate the end of such an uncertain season, the stress from the hours of making up missing assignments and studying still tends to linger in the air.

Another reason is the competition for students’ time. Sports, and other school activities, take up so much of the students’ time, and often overlap with school events such as dances

Ms. Molatore says, “ There are so many outside activities for students to participate in now. Before, we didn’t have a movie theater close by, and we didn’t have a bowling alley. We didn’t really have much else to do.  When a school had an event, that was really the only thing to do.”

She further explains, “It’s sports, meets, practice. There’s a lot more competition for students’ time and attention.” 

Homecoming sentimentally marks the beginning of the school year. With high motivation, fresh energy, and large buildups between spirit weeks and football games, homecoming gives a strong emotional tie to school pride. 

Wilsonville’s annual parade featuring floats from every class also gives the community opportunities to vote for their favorite, allowing parents to reflect on their own experiences, and children’s anticipation towards the years to come. 

Prom is an exclusive dance, reserved for the upperclassmen, and often marks the end-of-year milestone. For juniors and seniors, this is the “last hurrah”. 

Groups often spend weeks preparing for the before and after prom plans, like when to get ready, where to eat before, and what to do after. In a flurry of suits and dresses, the lingering belief of “ you’ll remember prom forever” encircles the dance itself. 

What about the winter formal?

Junior Avery Novitski says, “ Every winter formal is different. I want to make as many memories each year as possible.”

Despite this mindset, attendance remains low. Ms. Stoneking, the school’s bookkeeper, reports that there have only been 21 ticket sales so far, highlighting the gap between the effort put into planning the event and the student turnout it receives.

While winter formal may lack the tradition and emotional buildup of homecoming or prom, it still offers students a chance to create meaningful memories. Between busy schedules, lingering stress, and competing priorities, its value is often overlooked. Yet, with intention and participation, winter formal has the potential to become just as memorable.