On January 6th, a mass email announced that the Winter Formal Dance had been postponed. Originally scheduled for Friday, January 21st, this “Be Our Guest” themed dance, was delayed given surging COVID-19 cases. The email read, “In an abundance of caution, particularly given surging COVID-19 transmission rates in recent weeks, ABC Unified School District is asking all of its schools to postpone all dances and similar, close contact activities that can promote the spread of the virus.” While the email provides an explanation as to why the Winter Formal dance was postponed, it also begs the question: What comes next? Is there going to be a Winter Formal?

 

To answer this question, the Forum spoke to Class of 2024 President Leilani Choe and Class of 2024 Aubrey Costa. The two students had been responsible for planning the Formal. Speaking from their own individual opinions and perspective on the possible future about upcoming dances and events, Aubrey commented, “I think it would be difficult to postpone an event like Winter Formal, but we may be able to keep the same theme to use next year, or have a safer Winter Formal celebration to acknowledge the court such as a rally. School events in general will probably be a bit different in the meantime, but we are going to make the best of it and have our events to the safest extent for everyone at Gahr.” Even though the Winter Formal Dance is currently postponed, Leilani, Aubrey, and others are also finding ways to make the event safer for all students.