On November 30, 1976, the previously unincorporated communities of La Cañada and Flintridge formed America’s newest city – La Cañada Flintridge. On February 8, 2025, another city came to our community – Emerald City. Hundreds of students descended upon the Crawford Family Gymnasium for a fun-filled evening of music, socialization and sweet treats. 

Prep’s 10th grade student government organized our Winter Formal, and student leaders worked diligently to prepare the venue, clean up after the dance and advertise the event to the school community. After a challenging January punctuated by the Eaton Fire and its aftermath, students looked forward to Winter Formal – an annual ritual underscoring the closeness of Prep’s community. 

With poppies and witches’ hats dangling from the walls and ceilings, students immersed themselves in not only the splendor of Emerald City but also the company of one another. Finley Hamilton ’27 observed, “It was so green! The green from the flashing lights of the DJ booth created an aura unlike any other.” Julia Lee ’28 exclaimed, “The decorations defied gravity!” However, not everyone was satisfied. Dylan Choi ’26 reminisced, “I wish it had been more like Homecoming. I enjoyed the music more since the songs were better known and more energetic.”  

Faculty members graciously volunteered their evenings to ensure students’ safety. Ms. Tanu Srivastava, an English faculty member, reflected, “The best part was watching students dance with overwhelming joy to ‘Baby’ by Justin Bieber.”

From the music to the decorations to the camaraderie, Winter Formal remains a warm tradition for Prep high school students to relish all year long. Some would say it is, in fact, “Popular.”