Class of 2029 Steps on Down the Red Carpet

The ninth-grade dance lit up the Marshal Center, transforming the area into an Old Hollywood-inspired celebration on March 13, 2026. This year’s theme, “Step on Down the Red Carpet,” featured a mocktail bar, chocolate fountain, ping pong, DJ, and curated awards ceremony, creating a lively and glamorous night for the class of 2029.

Preparation for the dance began shortly before winter break, with the seven-member dance committee meeting regularly with Student Council and Director of Student Affairs Sarah Tooke ’04 to brainstorm, design, and refine every detail. From decorations to food vendors to the awards categories, they worked hard to breathe life into the theme. Meetings stretched across months as students debated color palettes, researched Hollywood-style decor, and coordinated with vendors.

Dance committee member Isla Safoian ’29 reflected on the process. 

“Collaboration has been a huge part of the planning of this dance,” Safoian said. “I have worked with so many great people that I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise. We have made many compromises to put our ideas together to make this dance the best it can be.”

Committee members shared that the most challenging part was balancing creativity with logistics, ensuring that the night felt exciting, immersive, and polished, while still being realistic to execute within the space and budget.

“A  lot of the things we have planned would definitely not work and wouldn’t have gone well without working together. This dance is only possible because of the teamwork everyone has put in and committed to.” Dance Marketing Committee Member Annabel Lin ’29 said. “A lot of preparation has gone into this dance, and I am so happy to see it come together successfully.

Students shared that the night felt celebratory and memorable.

“My favorite part of the dance was spending time at the photobooth with my friends and seeing everyone dressed up so nicely,” Woorin Paik ’29 said.“It was really fun taking pictures with them and just enjoying the moment.” “You never really know if you’re going to have a good time or not unless you go. In the end, I’m glad I went because I was able to make memories that I can look back on from my 9th-grade year.”

Students lined up to snap pictures with friends, against a green nature-leaf background. Props like feather boas, sunglasses, and mini Oscar statues added to the Old Hollywood feel.

A highlight for many was the curated awards ceremony, where ten students received peer-nominated awards. Award categories included Most Aura and Tuffness, Most Likely to Become President, Best Dressed, Class Clown/Comedian, and more.

Amelia Choi ’29, recipient of the Award for Most Likely to Save the World, described her shock at hearing her name called. 

“When I heard my name called for the Most Likely to Save the World Award, I felt a little shocked that I was even nominated for anything,” Choi said. “I definitely didn’t expect it, but it was a nice surprise for me. However, I am very happy that some people think of me this way.”

The awards added a playful but personal touch to the night, celebrating the strengths and personalities that make the Class of 2029 unique. 

History/Social Studies and Interdisciplinary Studies and Independent Research Teacher Mark Nelson, who helped coordinate the dance, reflected on the anticipation leading up to the event. 

“It’s always nerve-wracking as one waits for people to start buying tickets, but once it starts, it snowballs, and it looks like we’ll have a huge turnout.” Nelson said, “I hope that it’s one of those special high school events that will always bring a smile to the memories of the class of 2029.”

After months of anticipation, the night delivered exactly what students hoped for: a chance to celebrate with each other, step into a little bit of Hollywood magic, and make memories that they will remember long after the red carpet is rolled away.