In previous years, SHS’s winter dance has been semi-formal, resembling Homecoming, with students dressing up in order to have fun getting down on the floor of the East Gym. This year, however, the dance is going to have a little twist.

The annual dance is now informal, and will follow a boys basketball game. The theme will be Hawaiian and Neon, called “Lights-Out Luau,” and students will be able to buy a ticket for both the game and dance.

According to Assistant Principal AJ Martzall, one of the factors behind the change was the lower numbers of attendance for winter athletic events and the winter dance in recent years. So, wanting to increase school spirit, school administration and student council started working together to come up with an idea to increase school-wide support.

Some potential plans for the game and dance include a pre-game tailgate and glowsticks and Luau-themed decorations in order to increase student excitement and participation. Tickets will also be sold ahead of time for $5 and will be valid for both events, with the game starting at 6 p.m. and the dance ending at 11 p.m.

“Basically, you get water, pizza, two basketball games, a night of being with your friends and then a dance for $5,” Martzall said. “(That’s a) pretty good price for trying to get people involved and get some kids out that maybe don’t come out and support our team and support our student council as well.”

Some members of student council, like senior Hairo Rivas, are unhappy with the decision to change the dance and the preceding events. Rivas mentions that while he is a little saddened that his final winter dance won’t be semi-formal, citing how that’s some people’s favorite aspect of the dance. He thinks everyone should try to make the best of it and come out and have a fun night with with friends.

In response to some of the backlash regarding the change in dress code, Martzall says he thinks students should ask themselves why they’re opposed to it. He says that if it’s simply because of the change of dress, they can still come dressed in their formal attire and no one will stop them. The main goal is getting kids involved and making it a fun night for all.

Other members of student council, like junior Olivia Brite, point out how the new theme and dress code could bring in a new crowd to the dances that wouldn’t originally have had the chance to come due to prices.

“Southport is such a diverse community, and we need to get as many people (involved) as we can,” Brite said.Hailey Boger