Wells Elementary School girls dance the night away

Post date: Apr 05, 2013 3:25:36 PM

Family memories are certainly made from times like this. On March 9th, the PTSA at Wells Elementary School presented its annual ‘Girls Gala’. This is an event when, for one special evening, elementary K-4 girls have the chance to dress up formally and be escorted by their dads into the WES gymnasium for a night of dancing and fun. The theme of this year’s dance was a ‘Masquerade Ball’.

Under a gigantic mask hovering over the dance floor with lights streaming down to the gym walls, 148 ‘princesses’ and their dates danced to a variety of music from slow country to hip hop.

For refreshments there was a desert bar featuring homemade baked goods and fruit in the school’s cafeteria. And, later in the evening, a raffle was held for many unique prizes including an American Doll, a day at Funtown Splashtown, a fishing trip and a doll house.

“We look forward to it,” said Jen Olin of the large event but added, “It’s a lot of work.” This year it was Olin along with Kim Woodward who co-chaired the committee that produced the dance. Olin indicated that the theme of ‘Masquerade Ball’ is just one of the five themes that will be rotated each year to provide a variety of themes as students pass through their elementary grades. Last year’s theme was ‘Country and Western’ and an upcoming theme will be ‘Hawaiian Luau’.

Custodians Dave Norton and Dave Boyd helped transform the gymnasium into a ballroom for the night. It was Boyd who created the enormous plywood mask that hung over the ballroom. Photographer Marina DeMarco of Angel DeMarco Photography was present to take portraits of the dancers. Each girl’s family will receive a 5 X 7 photo. Mike Bacon of Mike’s Music Mix provided the evening’s music.

The PTSA wishes to thank the following for support of this year’s Girls Gala: Jo-Ann’s Gardens, Inc., Merriland Farm Café & Golf Course, High Standard Stable, Funtown Splashtown USA, Gymnation, Wonder Mountain Fun Park, Naviina Hair Salon and Day Spa, Bella Tress Hair Salon Inc., and Don's First Light Fishing Charters.

Caption: Bob Houston and daughter Emma posing for a photo at the WES Girls Gala on March 9th.

Caption: Travis Doughty and daughter Madison posing for a photo at the WES Girls Gala on March 9th.