Students from local high schools have been busy planning and holding two big events. The Senior Prom for local senior adults and the Teen Fashion Scene were held over a recent weekend.
The Senior Prom, organized annually for more than ten years by ASB students from Oxford Academy, is an annual party and dance for local senior adults. The free event was held at the Cypress Senior Center, and the place was hopping with 150 senior dancers and 40 students.
“The students at Oxford Academy take ballroom dance lessons so we can dance with the seniors,” said Varsha Sandadi, Community Service Commissioner for the school’s ASB.
“Mr. Bruce Stevens, our 8th Grade Biology teacher, holds dance lessons two times a week for a few months, for an hour each. We look forward to this event every year.”
“It’s great community service to give back. It makes my day to see them smile,” said Sandadi. “When we take the time to give back, regardless of how small, we have a great time and it helps build community.”
The students were sad to learn that this is the final year Stevens will be teaching dance lessons.
He is retiring at the end of the school year.
The teacher who takes professional photos at the event, Mr. Dan Cullinane, the Chemistry teacher and Photography Club advisor is also retiring. Students are on the search for a volunteer ballroom dance instructor and a volunteer photographer.
“Once I retire, I will be visiting the National Parks and my wife and I want to dance in every state,” said Stevens.
“I teach the students Rhumba, Cha-Cha, East Coast Swing, Fox Trot, and Waltz.”
Senior adults were seen dancing in pairs and groups, with partners and with students. Lots of glitter and sequins were on display.
Mike Jonas and Rhonda Lindbergh, took up dancing after they retired.
While a large group of seniors danced the Electric Slide, Jonas and Lindbergh danced as a couple.
Somehow, it all worked.
The band, Jim Gilman and The Associates, provided live music and kept the crowd on their feet.
“Coming up next at Oxford is our prom and Staff Appreciation Week,” said Tania Madrigal, Oxford Academy ASB President. “Every day we do something special for the staff. Our theme is Staff in Wonderland. We will give cards made by students and other great recognition.”
The same weekend, students from many local high schools participated in the Teen Fashion Scene 2017 event at the Cypress Community Center. Attended by an audience of almost 300, more than 60 teen models, both girls and boys, strutted the professionally designed and lighted runway showing off current fashions from local stores.
“It’s the girls’ first fashion show,” said Cindy Villaneuva. “We saw the flier about the show and my daughter and her friend wanted to go.”
Gabby Villanueva and Mylia Davis, waited anxiously for the show to begin.
Once the models started walking, the girls and the rest of the audience of parents and teens were treated to upcoming fashion trends in shoes, shorts, shirts, rompers, dresses and jewelry for both girls and boys.
“My girls have been excited getting ready for this,” said Becky Hammonds.
Her daughters, Aaliyah Hammonds and Jasmine Johnson were backstage getting ready to come out.
Mom was ready and waiting to take photos, even sitting at the end of a row so she could jump up when the time came.
“I think it’s amazing to see the quality of the event,” said Stacy Berry, Cypress City Council Member. “Our parks and recreation staff do a tremendous job and the student models are committed to putting on a professional show.” Berry attends every year and likes to support the teens who work hard to bring this event each year.
“This is our 11th annual event,” said Andi Terry, Recreation Specialist for Cypress Recreation.
“The teen fashion show is co-presented by the cities of Cypress and La Palma. We also have a teen designer challenge. One teen will receive an award and scholarship from Ginger Anderson.”
The winner of this year’s award went to teen Sarah Hultman. Her white dress was the opening fashion in the show.
In addition to the fashion show, donated fashions, shoes, jewelry and more was given away during drawings. Ticket sales and the admission charge go to teen programming.
Fashions and other items provided for this year’s event were from Barnabas Clothing Co, elison rd., Tankfarm & Co., LulaRoe, Vans-Off the Wall, Endless Summer, Styles for Less, Custom Surf Trunks, Stitch & Feather, Furnace, the denim bar, Clints Tux Shoppe, M2, and Katin Surf Shop.
Other companies providing services were Create and Capture Photography; Mark Taylor & Ryan Adams, Videographers; Sonic Sound DJ Services, Endless Cuts Salon, Cerritos College, Lighting by Jon Ramos and Matthew Monge, and a performance by Oxford Academy Hip Hop Club. Teen emcees were Sam and Jinny.