Priscilla Liu
Staff Writer
For the first time, freshmen and sophomore girls are allowed on Central’s Winter Court. Because of decreased Winter Dance attendance, Student Advisory Council(SAC) and the Senior Class Council (SCC) implemented the change to revive student participation.
“We are always brainstorming ways to improve upon our activities,” said Megan Plackett, Communication Arts teacher and SAC adviser.
The councils decided to try the idea because Naperville North and other schools in the area have the same policy for Winter Court. The goal is to increase the number of people who participate in the dance and elections at school, junior Matt O’Brien said. O’Brien is SAC treasurer and a Junior Class Council member.
“Since [Winter] is more of a couples dance, freshmen and sophomores do not attend,” said senior Lauren Drapalik, SAC president. “We hope that by expanding the court, more students will be encouraged to get excited about Winter Week and the Winter Crowning just like [they were] for Homecoming Week.”
The change is temporary so the councils can gauge how well the idea works. The Winter Dance was chosen because freshmen know more people than they did when school started.
“I hope [underclassmen] are nominated. I think [they’re] excited about it, and that’s a good thing.” O’Brien said.
Many students are concerned that opening Winter Court to underclassmen will cause unnecessary social competition among freshmen and sophomore girls. The councils acknowledge the possible problem but believe the pros outweigh the cons with involvement.
“I think with any change, there’s going to be resistance. We never want to create an environment that causes pressure,” Plackett said.
“Give it a chance,” O’Brien said. “There’s been a lot of negative hype and how it’s intrusive on the juniors’ dance. But I think if we were freshmen in the same situation, we would be excited too.”
Plackett agrees. “A lot of students have to wait two and a half years to be part of the big picture,” she said.
Though underclassmen can achieve attending status, the crown is reserved for juniors.
