BY NATALIE BROWN
Staff Writer

Freshman and sophomore formals have been eliminated and are being replaced by semi-formal homecoming and snowball dances for all classes that will be held at the school.

“The idea to switch the formals to all-school, semi-formal dances has been long in the making. When I arrived at Baldwin I noticed the surprising costs (of the formals), and continued the action,” Principal Walter Graves said.

The new dances would give more students the opportunity to attend dances, and give more meaning to the junior and senior proms, Graves said. Also, students will no longer have to buy expensive clothes for formal dances or proms every year they are in high school, he said.

“These changes came as a way to lower costs substantially for students. By having the homecoming and snowball in the gym, we won’t have to pay rental costs, which lowers ticket prices drastically,” Graves said.

“The expenses for students to attend a dance all four years of high school is immense, and these semi-formal dances will give them the opportunity to still have fun and dress up as much as they want without the outrageous prices.”

As to how successful dances at the school will be, Graves said that will be determined by the students.

“The dances will depend on the way the students react to them. The success and work are all dependent on the students’ willingness to create the dance that they want,” he said.

Graves said a homecoming committee will be formed that will include class officers from all grades and other student clubs. The homecoming committee will be responsible for planning actvities throughout homecoming week, culminating with the Saturday homecoming dance.

Opinions on the dance changes varied from excited to disappointed.

Freshman Julia Campana said she felt the changes provided a greater opportunity.

“It’s good having two dances … because it allows us to interact with upperclassmen,” Campana said.

Junior Hanna Brandle disagreed.

“Each dance is special and every grade should get to experience its own formal,” Brandle said.

Freshman Kaelie Jones enjoyed her freshman formal and does not want others to miss the opportunity.

“I think they should have formals for every grade because it is fun and exciting to get dressed up and go dance,” Jones said.

Sophomore Nolan Foster said adding two different dances is a good move.

“It’s not a bad idea to get rid of freshman and sophomore formals because juniors and seniors deserve recognition through a prom,” Foster said.

Staff writers Liz Backo and Lauren Schugg contributed to this report.