On November 10th, the class of 2027 gathered in the Cochran gym, dressed in formal attire, prepared to make a lot of memories. At their Junior Formal, there were plenty of food options from restaurants in town, and an array of decorative masks to fit this year’s theme of Masquerade. Attractions such as an emcee dressed up in a robot costume attempted to delight students, while the DJ also mixed together some popular hits. Maya Sanzel, Treasurer for the Class of 2027, expanded on how even though some songs got students dancing, 2027 representatives “gave playlists to the DJ that did not get played.”
While many students were busy with school in the lead-up to the formal, the adults behind the scenes were working hard to make sure that the event would be enjoyable. The protocols regarding Junior Formal have usually involved parent volunteers and junior class advisors collaborating to ensure the success of the event. However, this year, there were significant changes in protocol regarding parent involvement, such as parents “floating around the idea of changing the location of JF to Westchester Manor, which would have risen the prices to around $50 or $60,” according to Sanzel. This idea, which, according to Sanzel, was proposed around a week before the event, evidently posed some difficulties for junior class advisors, resulting in the most recent advisor, Ms. Maria Rudolph, stepping away from her role as the junior class advisor. She indicates that this position involves being the facilitator of “student engagement and fundraising, [and] working to support student voice and access.” As of November, Mr. Kevin Ruffler and Ms. Dylan Clewell have taken over as the advisors for the class of 2027, and plan to advise the students through their graduation,which differs from typical student union procedure.
In the midst of the planning process of Junior Formal, Rudolph shared how “the support structures that usually make the work manageable weren’t aligned this year, and as such, I needed to step away.” She continued to explain how parents involved themselves in a different manner this year, by proposing dramatic changes within days of the event, leading to her resignation; “While every parent means well, intentions can outpace the process. This year highlighted tensions between long-standing procedures and some parents’ interpretations of what the event should be. Parent involvement this year moved beyond support into decision-making attempts that conflicted with established school protocol and the student-centered approach.”
Although these tensions caused some difficulties, Ms. Rudolph concluded her commentary by sharing an optimistic outlook regarding her future as an advisor: “It turns out the current junior advisors will transition with the current class to senior year, which opens the door for me to return (possibly) to the junior role in the fall. After some reflection, I’m excited by that possibility. The experience has reminded me that I really love this part of the work; students’ energy and excitement on the night of is exhilarating and really special to witness.”
Despite these interpersonal challenges, Junior Formal provided a unique opportunity for students to socialize and celebrate their penultimate High School year.