Photo via: @cherryhillhswest on Instagram
The Pennsauken Country Club transformed into a dazzling dance floor on the night of February 22nd for Cherry Hill West students for the annual Sophomore Cotillion dance. The dance was for all sophomores at West, but Cherry Hill East students were invited to attend as well. All of the students were filled with excitement and anticipation as they showcased their incredible dance moves and red-carpet-ready outfits.
However, no matter how much the sophomores wanted to attend, trying to get 15 and 16-year-olds to remember to buy a ticket was a difficult task. Sophomore Cotillion tickets were sold for $50 each in the cafeteria, during both lunches. Tickets to this annual event began being sold on Monday, February 12th, though most students waited until the absolute last minute to purchase their tickets. Out of 130 tickets sold, over 50 were sold within the last two days of ticket sales, Thursday and Friday. Even after official ticket sales ended, at least 15 more tickets were purchased from Ms. Jefferson herself.
This event was very inclusive and made sure that every sophomore who wanted to come, was able to. Students could purchase a ticket for themselves and someone else, whether that person attended West or not. “Many people took advantage of these policies,” one of the Class of 2026 representatives, Milana Orlov, states, “8 people bought 2 tickets, 9 people brought people from East or a separate school, and 3 people attended from an alternative school.”
The theme of the evening was “Hollywood.” Though this could be interpreted in many different ways by the guests, student representative of the class of 2026, Tessa Kosmaczewski stated that the planners envisioned, “suits, ties, and formal dresses in all kinds of colors and lengths.” A good amount of students also felt the same way about the theme, while others put their own spin on it. A variety of dresses with different colors, styles, sequins, and designs could be seen throughout the entire space. It truly made the room look and feel like an Oscars after-party.
The decorations also held up the star-studded theme. A red carpet lined the walkway up into the space where the party was held. There were gold centerpieces that incorporated vases and streamers at every table. The beams above the dance floor were draped in fairy lights, while the surrounding area was lit by color-changing lights from all angles. It also allowed students to walk through the door to a covered deck that overlooked the country club’s golf course, which proved to be the perfect destination for pictures. The venue was enhanced from a boring dining room to a magical space just for this occasion.
Throughout the night, there were various foods served at the buffet catering to all types of dietary restrictions. The menu consisted of explosive flavors varying from the rich macaroni and cheese to the crispy chicken tenders and fries. The most popular dishes of the night featured the tomato pasta and the Caesar salad, accumulating many reviews from students for their fresh and flavorful taste. The buffet tables were the star of the show, with students going back and forth for second rounds. Cherry Hill West sophomores Lauren Stoltzfus and Gabbi Dizon stated that the food was “delicious and so good, 10/10 recommend. Gabbi and I went back for more.” The dining tables were decked out with many appetizers including pretzels, chips, and candy. Later in the evening, the ice cream bar became the highlight of the dance. Students were lined up to create their own ice cream sundaes with varying flavors of vanilla and orange, with toppings of sprinkles, Oreos, gummy bears, cherries, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce. The possibilities were endless!
Students also had the opportunity to take pictures with their friends at the photo booth located near the entrance of the venue. They had the chance to strike a pose and flash a smile with all sorts of props provided to suit every theme and mood. The limit to the amount of photos taken was endless! Laughter filled the air as friends huddled together to take fun and memorable pictures. As the night progressed, the photo booth was still a popular area, with students coming back, again and again, to capture new memories and create unforgettable mementos that would serve as a reminder of all the fun and joyful memories of the evening.
As the night unfolded, several awards were presented to recognize the memorable and outstanding students who captivated the dance, adding an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to the formal. The first award of the night, the title of “Best Dressed” recognizing a student who showcased a great sense of style was given to Christina Zorn, a band student and softball player. She turned heads with her dazzling red dress and fur-lined shawl. Next up was the award for “Most likely to drink the most Shirley Temples!” This award was presented to Keira Haessler, a lacrosse athlete. The beverage station offered Shirley Temples, a refreshing sweet drink made from a mouthwatering combination of ginger ale, grenadine syrup, and a cherry on top. This drink provided a fun, fruity burst of flavor, different from traditional refreshers, making it a popular choice of beverage. No wonder why many couldn’t keep their hands off it! Lastly, the award for “Best Couple” goes to Charlie Thorpe and Henry Capizzi. This duo was a crowd favorite as they radiated joy and laughter throughout the night. Congratulations to all the award winners for making the dance a night to remember!
Overall, the 2024 Sophomore Cotillion was a successful night. The majority of the Class of 2026 was able to attend and dance, eat, and laugh throughout the entire night. Reviews of the event were overwhelmingly positive. None of it could have been accomplished without the Class of 2026 Representatives led by Ms. Jefferson, who coordinated and executed the entire event. Hopefully, this sets the tone for next year, when the Class of 2026 takes on Junior Prom!