Within the past month, the decision to change WPA from a formal dance to a mixer was officially made. The mixer will take place in the commons on Friday, Feb. 11 after the home varsity basketball game against Bonner Springs. Music will begin 30 minutes after the game concludes and the mixer will end at 11:30 p.m.

After hearing talk of an alternative formal WPA dance held at a different location, the Silver Stars dance team, the cheerleaders, the coaches and the administration collectively decided against the idea of putting the effort and money into a formal dance. A bad student turnout would mean a loss of money for the Silver Stars dance team and the cheer squads.

“We didn’t want to spend a lot of money because we heard that there were going to be alternate dances,” assistant dance team coach Sarah Sides said. “We didn’t want to put in all that effort and only have 100 people show up.”

Senior varsity cheerleading lieutenant Quincey Adams believes the negative reaction towards the Homecoming dance, along with the competition of an alternate WPA is the reasoning for the mixer.

“Everyone knows Homecoming blew and there is already an alternate WPA set, so there is no point to try to compete because we already know we will lose since [WPA] is at the school with administrators,” Adams said.

Adams described the mixer as a “graffiti party”. Attendees are encouraged to wear white t-shirts; black lights with glow sticks will be provided.

After talking with and gathering input from several students, teachers and parents, principal Tobie Waldeck said the decision was made to prevent stress.

“We felt it would be less stressful and a more fun event if it was just a mixer,” Waldeck said.

WPA is one of the biggest money-making fundraisers for the cheer and dance teams. Admission will be three dollars in advance and four dollars at the door, less than what formal WPA tickets have cost in past years.

While the changes to the dance may seem drastic, some traditions will be reserved. A King and Queen of Winter Sports will still be crowned during the game prior to the mixer. Regardless of any of the changes, some students are going into the mixer with an open mind.

“I think that it’s a better idea than having people dressing up,” freshman Zach Huston said.

Although disappointed about losing a tradition, senior Brian McEnery agrees.

“I think something looser would be more fun,” McEnery said. “It’s not as structured and you don’t have such high expectations.”

After what was seen as an unsuccessful Homecoming dance, some seniors feel as if they are missing out on one of their last high school dances.

“It is a downfall and a disappointment to the senior class, especially the girls,” senior Callie Vannier said. “My senior dances have been ruined.”

Senior Rachael Chapman also has hard feelings.

“I hate the idea. WPA is one of the two dances that are worth going to and dressing up for,” Chapman said.

Waldeck clarified that not having a formal dance this year will not lead to the end of dances permanently.

“None of the dances are related. I would like to have more students show up to this,” Waldeck said. “I want students to have dances. I want students to be a part of them.”

Sides believes the mixer will help the students better appreciate Homecoming and Prom. Regardless of other dances, though, both Sides and Waldeck hope the mixer will be fun for all students who attend.

“I think it will still be a fun time for the students, just less formal,” Sides said. “They should expect the same thing as in the past but just less formal.”

Music and food will be provided. The administration expects dancing to be kept appropriate, the enforcement of which caused controversy at the Homecoming dance. Waldeck states that he isn’t expecting “ballroom dancing” or “two feet apart” but is pushing for decency.

“I was disappointed that students chose to leave [Homecoming]. I’d like to see that change in the future. We will have to work together to make that happen,” Waldeck said. “I am willing to change a few things but the level of appropriateness will not change.”

Adams believes the administration’s disapproval of student dancing was a contributing factor in the decision.

“It is very sad we have to resort to a mixer instead of a formal dance because the administration doesn’t like the way we dance,” Adams said.

Sides remains hopeful students can be optimistic.

“I think it will be whatever the students will make of it,” Sides said. “My biggest concern is that people will go into the dance with a negative attitude and in return it will be a negative experience.”

Adams believes with a good turnout, the mixer could be successful.

“I honestly think the mixer will be fun, but only if people show up,” Adams said. “My biggest concern is people not coming because they think ‘if Homecoming sucked, why would we come to WPA?’” Adams said.