The lights inside Freshman campus are dimmed, the only light being the soft glow of blue Christmas lights illuminating the gymnasium and the cafeteria. It is only hours before the dance, and preparation is complete.

MCHS had their first Winter Formal in several years on Saturday. The event was two years in the making after a simple survey had given birth to a new MCHS tradition that includes a spirit week, and a dance to help with the lack of entertainment during the winter months.

“The idea of a Winter Formal originated probably two years ago,” said Samantha Carlson, supervisor of Student Council. “It took us a full year to get approval from admin and make sure we could actually make it happen.”

Once the dance was given the go-ahead, the production of the first ever Winter Formal began, but it did not happen without its own challenges. This time, there would be no past template to go off of. Yet the biggest issue would be enticing students to go and give the dance a chance.

“Many students were skeptical about what a winter dance would be like,” said Grace Hunt, Student Council Secretary. “It was hard to convince the student body to give this dance a chance and enjoy the night.”

However despite the difficulty of convincing the student body to give the dance a try, it was a success that exceeded the Student Council’s expectations.

“Through promotion, a spirit week, decorating the main hallway, and our other efforts, we almost sold 500 tickets,” said Hunt. “We were all very impressed with that number and hope it only grows with years to come.”

With the success of the Winter Formal, the Student Council is hopeful that the Winter Formal will become a new tradition at MCHS, hoping that the numbers at the Winter Formal will only grow with each passing year.

At the end of the night the students leave, the only thing remaining being the soft blue glow of the lights, and plastic cups with mocktails. It is finally time to take down all the decorations.