Student government plans Winter Ball with challenges

PHOTO: Members of the WInter Ball committee in student government planning the dance during fourth period.

By Alaina Hagen,

BlueDevilHUB.com Staff–

Sitting around a large table in the ASC-100 classroom discussing and typing on computers, the student government’s Winter Ball committee plans for the dance every fourth period. They are working to address challenges from COVID-19 and the homecoming dance.

Earlier this year, Davis High student government teacher Anthony Vasquez thought the chance of having school dances was slim. 

“Honestly, in September, I didn’t think we’d have any dances,” Vasquez said. 

The district decides whether or not events, like dances, are allowed based on what the county allows. As of early December, school dances were allowed to proceed. 

“So now here in [December]… we’re going to do them all,” Vasquez said. 

When the second quarter began, the student government class was divided into committees with different tasks. These committees are in charge of Candy Gram sales, spirit days and WiBall planning, among other things. 

Then, student government uses the feedback they have received from previous events to see how they can make future events better. 

“A plus delta, [positive change]… is standard practice for stud gov,” Vasquez said. 

They reviewed complaints about the homecoming dance in October. Vasquez said they listen “to it all… [from]… ‘I had fun, it was great’ [to]… ‘I stood in line for two hours and I didn’t get a ticket.’” 

Next, logistics like dance contracts, communication and decorations all need to be worked out. 

Junior Sidney Johnson designed the dance tickets for WiBall, but also created a new dance contract, “in the hopes admin would be more lenient to different styles of dance,” said Johnson, citing mosh pits as an example. 

Senior Parker Giovannetti handles decorations and as of Dec. 1 works on an agenda to meet with the administration. Student government works alongside the district, administration and the finance office among others for dances.  

 “Right now, we’ve been doing a lot of measurements in the gym to figure out how big the dance floor needs to be… [and]… how many feet of drapes we should get,” Giovannetti said. 

In terms of communication, Giovannetti wishes it was better and is working to improve communication with the administration. 

“Our communication… with admin… has been pretty shaky,” Giovannetti said. “So that’s what I’m trying to work on now is…getting us to meet face to face so we can… figure things out together, as a team, versus a separate effort that doesn’t always see eye to eye.” 

Additionally, there are COVID-19 challenges and issues from homecoming to consider. 

Senior Andy Brosnan wants to see COVID-19 measures in effect like “masks worn all the time [and] showing proof of vaccination.” 

Problems at homecoming included masks being removed and water from water bottles being sprayed on people. Student government wants to have a place outside at the upcoming dance where people can remove their masks to breathe better and drink water. 

Vasquez says they can not require vaccination records but can require a negative COVID-19 test like at homecoming.  

Vasquez and junior Lindsay Fitzpatrick, head of the WiBall Committee, have oversight over the planning, logistics and the event. 

“I’m in charge of giving out… jobs to the rest of my committee and anyone that joins my committee and… making sure that I keep tabs on all… parts and moving pieces that are being put together for WiBall,” Fitzpatrick said. 

On the night of the dance Vasquez will be helping to set up the dance, including instructing chaperones and assisting vendors with setting up.

 “The night of, [students] are having fun and everything has to work,” Vasquez said.