A new school dance has been introduced to the current school year. Instead of the standard homecoming dances and prom, a ball was held Nov. 16.
Students, who are part of EAST, have decided to hold a Masquerade Ball in order to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.
“We chose masquerade as the theme because we thought it was something new,” said assistant manager of the project senior Cristal Hernandez. “We just thought the idea would attract more people.”
The dance was held in the school cafeteria from 7-11 p.m. The cost at the door was $10 to get into the dance. Snacks and drinks were provided for attendees.
“I enjoy the idea of a masquerade ball, so that’s why I’m going,” said senior Hannah Ash. “I also just love to dance.”
Unlike homecoming and prom, EAST coordinators for the dance do not intend students to spend weeks planning. Students at those traditional dances are expected to dress formal; whereas, EAST intends for the dance to be more semi-formal.
“We just want it to be a simple dance,” said Hernandez. “It’s not supposed to be very fancy and we aren’t going to force people to wear a mask if they do not want to.”
The money raised from the dance goes towards Relay for Life, a nationwide event to raise funds for cancer patients and cancer research.
“The Masquerade Ball is the kickoff event to let students know about Relay for Life,” said manager of the project senior Eduardo Martinez.
The dance is one of many fundraisers EAST plans to hold in order to collect money to hold the school’s first Relay for Life to be held April 10, 2013. In turn, the money raised at Relay for Life will be donated to the American Cancer Society.
“We hope students will team up and participate in Relay for Life,” said Hernandez.
According to RelayforLife.org, more than four million people in over 20 countries take part in Relay for Life.
EAST hopes to raise $30,000 for the American Cancer Society after all of their fundraisers are over.