Following the football team’s phenomenal win against Chadwick on Friday night, students gathered under the foggy night sky for A Night in Rio. Students began arriving on campus at 8 PM, marking the first high school dance for freshmen and the last homecoming for seniors. 

Huddled in groups, with some dressed in feathery blue, students exited their cars and stepped into another world—Rio de Janeiro. Balloons and parrots decked out each corner, while the vibrant, tropical city of Brazil shimmered through the reflective blue tinsel and disco lights. A pair of wings composed of individual feathers, each filled with students’ messages and wishes, was hung up for photo ops. 

This year’s themes and decorations, meticulously selected by the 10th grade Senate, received school-wide approval. Alice Gan ‘27 sung its praises: “I liked the design and the theme was pretty creative and niche. It was a theme I was excited to dress up for.” Sofia Lim ‘27 added that following the DJ switch, the music was “similar to a rave,” while Nate Lavichant ‘28 agreed that “the music was good”. 

Just outside the gym walkway, students crowded around a photobooth adorned with a sparkling backdrop and various accessories, hoping to capture their memories within a photograph. Along the field, tables held the highlights of the night—a blue concoction (fruit punch), pizza, and hundreds of bundt cupcakes. Throughout the dance, hungry students flocked to the tables for these refreshments. Ali Cotte ‘28 remarks, “I ate two bundt cakes by myself. They were so yummy, please have more at WOFO!” Will Krause ‘26 adds, “It was super fun and well decorated. I enjoyed eating all the snacks.”

Of course, the night wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and generosity of student leaders and faculty members. Dr. Kollmer, one such faculty member who devoted his Saturday evening, reflects, “It was great to see everyone so eager. I had a lot of fun. The desserts were delicious and I vicariously enjoyed the dancing.”

As the night came to an end, all were reminded of Prep’s tight-knit community and supportive members. Yet, the magic of the dance extends beyond the gym floor and into the rhythm of everyday school life.