The rumors had spread like wild-fire. Apparently, after two years of anxious waiting, year 9 was to be granted a valentine’s disco. Finally, one windy afternoon, the speculations were confirmed and the disco was to be held on the 14th of February (Valentine’s Day).
Kelly Mothe, the council representative of Year 9, had pulled through and made sure there was some sort of disco or celebration for 2008 Valentine’s.
A council meeting was held, and it was announced that the entire secondary, including sixth form, were invited to the Valentine’s disco. At one point, some lower secondary protested to the fact upper secondary were invited, (might I point out here that Year 10 and above did not call us for their prom apart from five waiters who were summoned to cater for them), and went so far as to petition against it, but the council won the battle, and they were invited. Kelly and I were in charge of ticket sales, and we managed to sell 100 tickets, most of them being to lower secondary.
After three weeks of convincing potential ticket buyers every break and lunch time, the night arrived and the air was heavy (with humidity from the rain rather than the excitement.)
At 6:59 pm, the music began to blare from four massive speakers, a professional DJ in charge, contrary to Year 9’s last disco, (we were then in Year 7), where our former P.E teacher Danny Philoe got out some old CD’s and connected two small speakers.
By 7: 30 most of the crowd had arrived, and by 8:00 the disco was in full swing. The highlight of the entrance was the wonderful ‘love arch’ that sixth form had created, decorated with hearts and pink sequins. Not that the teachers that watched us like hawks with beady eyes would have permitted anything remotely to do with love under the arch, but it was nice to look at.
A mix of Creole and English music was played, and everyone found something to dance to, apart from those couch potatoes who sat on the strategically placed chairs on the side and consumed caffeine more than that was good for them. The remaining hogged the dance floor, the hours passing quickly as we danced the night away.
Drinks were served outside, and many had to take breaks of cold fresh air outside even though all 8 air-conditioning systems were on in the hall.
From 7:00 to 10:30 pm, everyone (almost everyone) was busy on the floor, spending Valentine’s with their friends or dates. Three and a half hours ran out fast, and soon it was time to be picked up. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the disco, and we had a great time. Can’t wait for prom!!
(By: Nandita Nair, Year 9)
