Galloway's First UL Dance in Two Years

COVID put a halting stop to the many privileges we have as Galloway students. Due to the pandemic, The Galloway School community has not had an Upper Learning dance or in person social function since the last Homecoming in January 2020. Half of our Upper Learning community -- freshmen and sophomores -- have not had the chance to experience “normal” highschool traditions. Last weekend, Friday, October 29th, we had the Fall Ball, the first school dance in two years. 

Located in the gym, the space-themed Fall Ball had much anticipation after weeks of announcements and flyers posted all around the high school. From the moment the event was announced, students began to buzz with conversation as to who was going, what to wear, and if anyone had plans to continue the fun after the dance. 

Inside, the gym was decorated with flashing lights, sparkly streamers, and a big blow-up screen playing one of the Braves World Series games. The night was filled with dancing, munching on snacks, and socializing. There was an amazing turn out from every grade in Upper Learning. A wide range of outfits entered the gym as well, from all black outfits to space themed Halloween costumes. It was a great start to the Halloweekend!

Everyone in Student Association deserves praise for their role in planning this event. They had to work insanely hard to not only build this idea from the ground up but create  publicity, and plan out all the details. Even with all the safety precautions that were put into place, this was still a risky move in terms of COVID safety. Thankfully, there have been no known cases so far thanks to our responsible student body. 

I asked Sophie Volpe, a Senior Student Association representative in charge of the events Committee, what the planning process of this event entailed. She explained that usually easy details like locations, chaperones, times, etc. were a lot harder to nail down due to the unpredictability of COVID. Once details were finalized, Student Association then discussed decorations and quickly got to ordering all the needed materials. They even made their own custom backdrop out of lights and sheets.

This event being my, and many others’, first taste of Upper Learning dances, I can't wait to have more, hopefully including Homecoming. I have full confidence that Student Association will plan other great events to come.

By Peyton Louie