
(Pinterest)
I hope you brought your wands and robes because on January 25th, we are attending the Yule Ball! Well, sort of. While we may not have the towering castle of Hogwarts and Hippogriffs flying around, PYLUSD is bringing together a night full of magical fun. It is just like how it is in the fourth installment of Harry Potter, written by J.K. Rowling, where the Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students participate in the Triwizard Tournament; all schools in the district get to attend this year’s Winter Formal together.
Even if you have never heard of Harry Potter, the theme sure does encapsulate the essence of the perfect chilly dance floor. “I love the [Winter Formal] theme, my inner child is incredibly excited to go to the Yule Ball,” says Hailey Whitehurst (12). Many students have grown up alongside the beloved book series, or have even watched the critically acclaimed movies.
“As a big Harry Potter fan, I was so excited to see this year’s Winter Formal theme!” exclaims Katie Ruoo (12), “Personally, I’ve never attended a District-wide Winter Formal, and I’m very excited to be attending one this year!” This is the 2nd time ever PYLUSD is doing a district wide Winter Formal; the last time they did a district wide Winter Formal was in 2020 at the Discovery Science Center. Despite not having brooding Slytherins like Draco Malfoy, and logical Ravenclaws like Cho Chang around, we are going to have plenty of familiar faces.

“I’m grateful that I’ll get to go to a dance with my friends from Esperanza,” adds Hailey Whitehurst (12), “and I don’t even have to go through the trouble of getting a guest pass so that’s a plus.” It is even more exciting seeing that we will get to experience it with the students from our neighboring schools as well! While most have discernible opinions about the joint dance, I think it’s a great way to socialize and band together as a community.
It’s just like when Hermione Granger explains to Ron Weasley that, “The whole point of the tournament is international magical cooperation. To make friends,” which is exactly what we are doing. It truly is going to be a thrill to many students who love Harry Potter, and even to those who do not. It won’t matter if you’re a Mustang, Aztec, Raptor, Hawk, or Tiger because this Yule Ball is for everyone.