HANK WICKLEY
SPORTS WRITER
On Saturday night, the Cappaert gymnasium transformed into a dance floor.
Any and all students were invited to the masquerade formal, which was full of food, games, and dancing.
“The formal started as an athletic formal,” said Sarah Dehring, Assistant Athletic Director.
“Alma used to do an athletic formal years ago and we wanted to bring it back.”
The event, hosted by SAAC and ACUB, was a huge success.
“Hosting a school wide formal allows for an enjoyable night where all students could be together in one room,” said Jennifer Kowalczyk (’20).
“This year, SAAC partnered with ACUB on hosting this event to help reach out and welcome all students.”
Kowalczyk is a member of Alma’s SAAC and was in charge of putting the entire event together.
“Students could look forward to appetizers, photo booth, dancing, highly rated DJ, [and] games such as corn hole, can jam, spike ball, a pong table, life-size backyard games.”
The best part about the night was that all of the proceeds went to a charitable cause.
“We were contacted by the Amazing Grace Foundation so all the proceeds go to a good cause,” said Dehring.
The Amazing Grace Foundation raises money toward researching pediatric cancer and helps families affected by pediatric cancer with financial aid.
Preparation for the formal began almost a year ago.
“We began planning this event hours after last year’s formal ended,” said Kowalczyk.
“Our goal is to continue to make this event bigger and better every year.”
Every student who attended the formal had a lot of fun.
“My favorite part was definitely the DJ. He was throwing dope mixes the whole time and it was amazing,” said Tim Gearig (‘22).
For other students, the music wasn’t the most important part; Mason Ippel (’20) enjoyed the opportunity to dress up.
“Getting dressed up with my friends was my favorite part,” said Ippel.
The formal was a great way to spend time with friends in a fun environment.
“Setting up was fun and I loved taking pictures with my friends,” said Olivia Benoit (’20).
“The best part was the pong tournament, it was a great idea.”
Many students thought the games were the best part of the night, especially the ones that had a cash prize at the end.
“I also loved the pong tournament, it was fun to compete for money,” said Ippel.
“Just having the opportunity to dress up and go to a dance is not something we get to do often in college so it was a fun stress reliever,” said Tait Morrissey (’21).