One of the most anticipated events on Cambridge High School’s social calendar – the annual senior ball – was held at the Sir Don Rowlands Event Centre on Saturday night.
The 1920s masquerade themed event attracted several year 12 and 13 students, many who arranged glitzy transportation for the occasion.
Top photos, from left: Dylan Jackson Mclutchie and Taylor Brown; Best Dressed – Becky Mitchell, Hottest Single – Darren Sue; Millie Balsom (Queen) and Liam Dobson (King); Skyla Tubman and Tyler Billington.
Second row, from left: Charlotte Hale, Ella Webb, Sylive Keightly, Phoenix Castle, Bronwyn Reece-Jones, Ollie Le Cren, Hannah Goodwin, Cameron Spence, Ryan Malatios, Lana Quickfall, Sylvia Richdale, Liam Dobson, Jess Stewart, Rebecca Brocklebank, Mia Guzwell, Paola Velesco Bazaldua, Cameron Diprose, Emily McIntyre, Jessica Kowolski; Rivah Berg and Joey Smart; Nic van der Meulen – Porsche 911 GT3, Brooke Suisted, Sienna Frethy, Abby Strickland, Holly White, Bede Newlands, Adam Fin, Jesse McDonald, Makakai Eade, and Timur Faulkner.
Third row, from left: Hillcrest High Head Students – Shanti McKay, Gabby Bauke, Euin Shin, Yousuf Tayyab; Erin Bouwer, Tayla McCullough; The CHS Ball Commitee: Emily McIntyre, Ella Barnfield, Mace MacPherson, Anja Leander, Maddy Peacocke, Erin Silcock; Kimiora Wynyard and Julia Sgrott.
Fourth row, from left: Ethan Montgomery – Lamborghini Countach; Ethan Bailey and Piper Russel (Cutest Couple); Felicity Watt, Georgia Wynne, Mackenzie Lawton, Olivia Pell, Eva Cameron, Ana Darwick; Zeb Pickford, Charli West.
Students used QR codes on their tickets to vote for winners of the night’s coveted sashes.
Year 13 ball queen and king were Millie Balsom and Liam Dobson and cutest couple were Ethan Bailey and Piper Russel.
Best dressed was Becky Mitchell, hottest single was Darren Sue.
“It’s definitely a big deal to win a sash,” said year 13 student Maddy Peacocke, 17.
“We did our initial voting about three weeks ago to narrow it down to five finalists in each category, then the winners are decided on the night.”
She and fellow senior celebration prefect Anja Leander, also 17, were two of the nine Senior Celebration Committee members who planned the ball, supported by teachers Jeff East and Stephanie Vervoort, and school administrators.
They said everyone had done an “amazing” job planning the event down to the finest detail, from the finger food – which included fried chicken, arancini balls and dessert platters – to the elegant red, gold, black and white decor.
A red carpet shouldered by gold bollards welcomed guests into the building, where ostrich feathers abounded, strings of crystals sparkled above the dance floor and a student photo wall created a friendly, inclusive vibe.
Anja said the annual party was hugely anticipated.
“It was definitely a big week at school last week. People weren’t doing a lot of work; they were very focused on getting ready for the ball. I think the process of getting ready makes you feel really special.”
She had bought an elegant, pale-yellow gown to wear and splashed out to get her nails manicured and eyebrows shaped, but was doing her own hair and make-up.
Maddy, who wore a chocolate brown, off-the-shoulder dress, had professional make-up done but chose to DIY the rest of her look.
That was a popular way of saving money, she said.
“But I know a lot of people do hair, make-up, spray tans, nails, eyebrow shaping, eyelash tinting and those types of things. With the dress, shoes and ball ticket factored in, it can easily come to $400-$500.”
They said Miss Vervoort had created a pop-up in the student office where students could get donated suits, dresses and shoes, to help ease any financial strain on families.
While they were surprised by the sheer amount of work involved in planning and running the event, both felt it had been worth it.
“It’s cool knowing you’ve put so much time and effort into something that so many people enjoy and look forward to,” Anja said.
Millie Balsom, left, and Liam Dobson were crowned King and Queen of the Cambridge High School board on Saturday at the Don Rowlands Centre, Karāpiro. It was one of the most anticipated events of the school year.
