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April 7, 2009
By Christelle Xu
The junior class reached their goal of selling 300 tickets, as couples from the class of 2010 spent “Tonight’s Dream, Tomorrow’s Memory” at Casa Real in Pleasanton. Casa Real was originally planned to be booked last year for the class of 2009, until construction fell behind six months.
“I booked before the facility was even built,” Activities Director Helen Paris said.
Juniors and guests stood around an ornate fountain surrounded by flowers as they waited for the doors to open. Some students were dropped off in limos and minivans, while others carpooled.
“The outside lighting and scene was pretty,” junior Diana Garcia said.
Once inside, they were greeted by Anatomy teacher Michelle Keller, Career Center Specialist Michelene Whittmer and music teacher Nicole Moon.
“We enjoyed ourselves as chaperones… it’s always nice to see the kids dressed up,” Keller said.
Tables were adorned with tea candles and floating roses. The junior class enjoyed non-alcoholic drinks from an all night bar, and a chocolate fountain. Appetizers were served by the courtyard, where juniors socialized while waiting for dinner.
“The setting was romantic and larger than life. Everywhere we turned, we were greeted with the soft glowing light of candles. It made us feel like royalty,” junior Emiliano Zapata said.
Once settled, groups were dismissed individually to a buffet meal. The DJ played background music while students ate. After dinner the front of the room became a dance floor.
Chaperones worked to prevent inappropriate dancing and identify drinkers. Students were breathalyzed more often than last year, and blue wristbands were given to students after pictures. If caught misbehaving, the first offense would result in the removal of the bracelet. If caught a second time, the offender would be removed from the dance.
“I think it was good. There wasn’t really anyone that got kicked out, just one couple,” junior class treasurer Sarah Hoang said.
Many believed the night was a success.
“It was fun. Me and my girls was jammin’. The food was good and the DJ was good too. Can’t wait ’til senior year 2010,” junior Le’shay Wallace said.
