On Dec. 4, at 8 p.m., the doors opened to the entrance of Winter Formal at Plant High School. Located in the student parking lot, a spacious tent was constructed to fit several hundred students, with a DJ and dance floor for the ultimate night.   

After not having a homecoming in 2020 and with several postponements this school year, many students at Plant High School waited with bated breath for this Winter ball. In fact, more tickets were sold than looking back several years.   

Such profiting result is not only because of the advertisements and diligent planning by the E-Board and the teacher sponsor- Ms. Cozzi, but too is because of many H.B. Plant teachers’ initiative. Namely, Mr. Pedrero offered extra credit for anyone who attended HOCO and took a selfie with him, Ms. Cozzi herself granted extra credit for anyone who purchased a ticket and attended the dance. Into the bargain, Ms. Cowart provided extra credit for those who dressed up for Spirit Week- all to motivate and inspire students to attend the dance and spread the schools spirit.

The Spirit Week at Plant had the following themes each day the week: Holiday Ugly Sweater, Holiday in Florida, Holiday Hat and Socks, “Santas Elves,” Flannel Friday.   

Nonetheless, looking back to Dec. 4, before the doors opened to the dance floor, students started their Saturday evening with a formal dinner. The most common restaurants that reservations were made at can be found here: https://phsnews.com/16104/features/winter-formal-dinner-highlights/   

And at 8 p.m., when the line began to form, the “Winter Wonderland” dance commenced. The DJ played many different genres of music- from “Dancing Queen” by ABBA to “Give Me Everything” by Pitbull.   

According to Katherine Mockler, a sophomore, “The music kept everything upbeat and it was a good selection.”   

In fact, so many students ought to come to the dance, that the line to the entrance was lengthy, and some that arrived toward the middle of the dance were not allowed to get in, as the tent was already full with students.

However, after interviewing numerous students, the top hit was the dance floor; when all students were joined by the music and were in the moment.

“My favorite part of homecoming was the dancing because it was a moment to be free and childish and not to worry about anything else,” Junior Alexis Brown said.

However, many too commented that the getting ready for the night part was the highlight of the night.

“I liked getting together and ready with all of my friends because it is something you don’t get to do often,” Sophomore Ava Bennetts said.   

A majority of students struggle to find places to purchase the dream homecoming dress/ suit, for such, recommendations can be found here: https://phsnews.com/15659/culture/homecoming-dress-options/   

Ultimately, Winter Formal was an unforgettable night for students and a new experience for many, as COVID-19 preventing the dance from happening in the 2020-2021 school year.

“Seeing everyone have fun because we didn’t get to do homecoming last year was my favorite part. Everyone made the best of the night,” Sophomore Grace Hogan said.