Snowball offers a respite from winter in the form of music and dance
From left: BOE Representative Gifty Adombire, Vice President Carly Swetz, Secretary Kathy Chen, Treasurer Alex Chedid, and President Alia Rind take a moment to enjoy all their hard work preparing the evening for Snowball 2016.
February 22, 2016
Every February, Hillsborough High School hosts its annual Snowball Dance. It’s the only time between Homecoming and Prom where students can let loose and enjoy an evening of dance, music, and fun with friends.
This year, on Friday, Feb. 5, 2016, the Snowball Dance started at 7:00 p.m. and went all the way until 10:00 p.m. The commons was adorned with winter and snow themed balloons, streamers, and other various decorations. According to Carly Swetz, the Vice President of HHS’s Student Council, a lot of planning goes into the dance, and preparations are made quickly and early to avoid any hassle and ensure a fun, stress-free night for everyone.
“For planning, we go through catalogs and pick out decorations and balloons that are nice, but not too expensive,” Swetz said.
Swetz also stated that any decorations from the previous year that are still in good condition are used again, saving both money and time. Unlike the Homecoming Dance, which is always on a Saturday, Snowball is always held on a Friday night, so preparations begin right after school.
Music this year was supplied by a DJ company called Unbreakable Entertainment. It is the same DJ service that the school uses for both the Homecoming Dance and Spirit Night.
Unlike last year, when the lights in the commons were kept on for the duration of the dance following the inappropriate behaviors of students at 2014’s dance, this year’s dance allowed students to experience the full effect of Snowball by having the lights off.
Everyone has different experiences at Snowball. For Swetz, she enjoys the dance because the commons are not nearly as crowded as Homecoming and, in her opinion, “It’s really fun to dance and sing with your friends.”
Hillsborough High School’s annual winter dance provides students with an opportunity to take a break from the normal, mundane routines of school and let loose on the dance floor with their friends. For students who missed Homecoming or are not attending Junior or Senior Prom, Snowball is the time of year when anyone can let their freak flag fly.