This year, Doherty High School is having A Night in Paris theme for our winter formal. To spread the word and get opinions I went around the school to ask students a series of questions and if they had plans to attend. Gathering information on the dance now could help determine what to adjust or keep the same next year and for other dances.  

This year our winter formal theme is A Night in Paris. How do you feel about that?

This question was to get a feel of how many people liked the theme and would be there. If there were mostly negative reviews, it would give insight into how many people might feel the same. My interviewees answered. 

“I feel like it’s just another dance. Just another thing kids say they’re going to go to and then don’t,” said junior Kristin Jaynes. 

Senior Gabby Hinton replied, “I love Paris. Imma be there.”  Her best friend junior Bryaze Wilson responded, “It’s cool or whatever.” 

We’ve reduced the number of concessions we’re offering this year. What’s your take on it?  

Since being informed that the concessions were being reduced to just Gatorade and water because they were not being purchased in previous years, I decided to see how students would react to the change. Personally, if the money was being wasted because the items weren’t being purchased, I completely understand the reduction. However, I feel even one snack option would be better than none. But that’s just one opinion, so I asked my respondents. 

Jaynes noted, “I feel like that’s boring, like these dances are boring and if they really wanted people to come, they would change things, especially what they’re having to drink.” 

Junior Logan Bugg responded, “What happened to the other stuff? Maybe it was too expensive.” 

Hinton and Wilson say students shouldn’t worry. “I get hungry bro. I need the snacks. I’m going to bring the variety pack,” Hinton said.

“We’ll bring the snacks,” Wilson added.  

What snacks or drinks would you choose to have? 

Even though the concessions were reduced for this dance, for another dance having these opinions could help decide what to get so the snacks could sell and students will buy, making it a win-win situation for planners and attendees. 

“[I prefer] Dr. Pepper or just other snacks that aren’t fat-free because the school loves to make stuff fat-free,” Jaynes shared. 

Juniors Alex Brown and Johnny Oakes gave their opinions. “Chips. Doritos.” Brown replied. “Chips and soda like…Doritos and Fanta,” Oakes vocalized. 

We’re using the same playlist we used last year. How do you feel about that? 

This information did not come as a shock to me, but it also didn’t bring me any disappointment. I feel like I had fun last year, and the music was a part of it. If the music’s good, I have no problems with the playlist personally. 

“BOO. That playlist sucked!” Brown expressed. 

“That’s exactly why I am not going. There’s nothing new about these dances. It’s the same every year, same soundtrack… It’s expected you know? It’s not unpredictable,” Jaynes vocalized. 

“If it was a good playlist, then fine,” Bugg said. 

If it was up to you, how would you put our playlist together? 

A lot of concerns were raised when figuring out how the playlist should be made. People couldn’t agree on which method would be more effective. Students tend to ignore what’s on the walls, or in their inbox, making it hard to decide. Honestly, I think trial and error would be the best way to resolve it, see what works and stay with it. Here are the thoughts from the students. 

“Write down a list that says, ‘suggestions’ and play all of them,” Brown answers. 

“Posters or social media ads,” Oakes solved. 

“I think you should send out a survey during CCR and have kids write down their favorite songs, and the most requested songs will be added to the playlist,” Jaynes formulated.  

“Ask the students what they want. Make that the playlist,” Bugg declared. 

“Let me make the playlist. Let me get the AUX. I got y’all for sure. I got all the great songs,” Wilson announced. 

Is there anything you’re excited about? 

Dances are about getting out and having fun. I feel like if you bring your friends, let go a little, and be open to having fun, you definitely will. Students who feel negatively about the dance either won’t come or will come and won’t have fun. These answers will shape the way the winter formal goes. 

“Not really,” Brown expressed.

“No,” Oakes simply stated. 

“Seeing all of the fine females,” Wilson broadcasted. 

“We’re going to be in there dancing our lives away,” Hinton exclaimed. 

Do you plan to attend our dance? 

“Maybe, it depends. On if my friends are going,” Brown brought out.

“I don’t know. Maybe,” Oakes passed. 

“I do not,” Jaynes told. 

“I don’t plan on attending,” Bugg announced.  

“Oh yeah, for sure!” Wilson spoke. 

What is your dream theme for a dance? 

Themes could make or break students’ opinions on the dance. 

“I liked the ‘A Day on the Beach One’!” Oakes expressed. 

“Probably a Tangled theme I feel like that would be very pretty,” Jaynes replied.  

“Princess and the Frog,” Wilson shared.  

The Winter Formal is something I look forward to. Whether a lot of students come or not, making your own fun is essential and you don’t need a lot of people for that. But to help and grow the number of students, since this is a fundraiser for the school, having their opinions is incredibly important. Involving students is the foundation to a successful school event and if we keep some of these opinions in mind, we’ll have good results.