Written By: Isabel Yrungaray, Staff Writer
PARTY: Poly High School hosts Midwinter at March Air Force Base Museum.
“Dropping in, wanna feel the rush now.. sun is out, the wind is in my hair… nothing else could be quite as awesome, as when I’m soaring through the air” is the first thought that comes to my mind when describing the Poly Midwinter theme – Cloud 9. That popular, 2014, Dove Cameron, Disney Channel Original Movie with a catchy soundtrack. The term can also be defined as “a state of happiness and euphoria”, which was the concept aimed for by Riverside Poly ASB – not quite snowboarding and DCOMS.
The dance, held at March Air Force Museum on January 28, 2023, definitely had that experience for some. With almost 700 students in attendance, kids piled out of limos, party buses, and cars and then went to the check-in line, which was impressively short. After checking in, they walked into a room filled with airplane paraphernalia, with lots of space. There were games scattered around, and two photo booths, which meant much shorter lines. In the following room was the dance floor, with lights, loud music, and the new introduction of a silent disco. There were also various snacks including dippin dots, cookies, bars, and lemonade. It featured one more room filled with gambling games, where a student could use fake money to gamble for raffle tickets and win a prize later.
Although seemingly off-theme, the dance was aesthetically pleasing. Students waltzed in with gorgeous dresses, and suits happily greeting each other and ready for an exciting night.
One of the best parts was how accommodating the dance was. The venue allowed for a breath of fresh air, a moment of quiet, and a step away from the noise when needed. All students could find something to enjoy. We were able to have some of our special education students there, who are loved by many and danced the night away. Joshua Lopez, a student with down syndrome at Poly, described to me that he “loved being with his friends, dancing to music, and dressing up.”
For many, the highlight of the dance was the silent disco, which in the words of the cloud 9 song, “must be how it feels to fly.” Attendees could check out headphones, with 4 different channel settings, and listen to music to dance with their friends. Peter Krieger, a senior and ASB member exclaimed that “the silent disco is here to stay… and is worth the money.” The activity was enjoyed most because of the variety of songs students could listen to.
Others were big fans of the food, including Poly Principal Darel Hansen who raved about the lemonade saying it “needs to be at every dance” and “cannot compare to any other place.” Some spent the majority of their evening in the room with the casino tables, including Brady Winterton who “did not leave” and “won many games, giving him many raffle tickets.” Girls complained about their feet hurting and had long discussions about removing their shoes, but most powered through.
Overall, the dance was a great success. Filled with laughter, smiles, and good pictures. Students enjoyed their time. 2023 Midwinter left attendees knowing “how it feels to fly” and “on cloud 9”.