There are hours of planning and perfecting that go into the junior Semi-Formal that many in the school community may not know about. At the heart of this planning is a committee of students who work so that the juniors have the most fun and safest night possible.
The two-day planning process took place a few weeks before the semi. It included eight students voting on topics such as themes, dress code and food options. Deans and PTO members were also involved in compiling lists of students in attendance, providing decorations and gathering funds. These adults also set and cleaned everything up. The Semi took place in the freshman building on March 27.
Dean Alexandra Young said that there were a few difficult decisions that had to be made, but the students showed they were very capable in the face of tough decisions.
“There were two varying themes and everyone contributed their choices. The music was something the students came up with on their own; they came up with a playlist and sent it to our DJ,” Young said.
Committee member and junior Iliyana Velez Fenner said that the committee in charge of music struggled to appease everyone’s taste.
“It was very hard because everyone is so picky with music nowadays, and I just wanted to pick something that was school-friendly and that everyone else would enjoy,” Fenner said. “That would be the most challenging part: trying to make everyone else happy. You can’t just think for yourself; you have to think for everyone else in the grade.”
Committee member and junior Amara Brown said that every committee member was very respectful. Instead of arguing, the committee was able to find a middle ground on most issues.
“If there were ideas we had that didn’t quite align, we compromised and made a way for everyone to get what they liked,” Brown said.
Fenner said that it’s frustrating when people make negative assumptions about school events, especially because committee members are working hard.
“A misconception is that the music isn’t gonna be good because it’s a school event, but that’s not true. We take into account what everyone would like and try to make it as enjoyable as possible,” Fenner said.
Young said that so many people are involved with planning and a lot of work goes into the process, especially from PTO parents.
“Dean Allen and I met with PTO parents, and we went down to the basement of the school where a lot of decorations are stored from past events. We went through everything and decided what we could use. It definitely [takes] hours of planning for this event,” Young said.
Brown said that she wants students to understand the labor that goes into the dance.
“Students should pay attention to how much thought and effort is put into it,” Brown said. “Most of all, I want students at BHS to focus on having a good time with their friends.”
