Freeman 

House News

2025 Senior formal -Hampton Park Secondary College

The HPSC senior formal 2025 was a sight to behold. Glittering gowns, tailored suits and tuxes, food that excited the taste buds, and music that practically begged the body to dance. It truly was an event not worth missing. The formal was held at the Grand at Princes Reception center, a spacious and elegant venue where lifelong memories such as wedding celebrations are held. Rather fitting, since it certainly created some unforgettable memories for many of those in attendance. Some of the senior students even described the evening as “Highlight of the year’’ and ‘best formal event they’ve attended”.

The night kicked off at 7pm, with students being dropped off at the Grand’s entrance. The gushing began right from the gate, with students being shocked by the transformation their friends and classmates had undergone from being uniform clad to looking like pseudo princes and princesses. From red to purple, there was no color under the sun that was not represented in the array of dresses, suits and tuxes that were worn to the event. 

The activities of the night began with an opening address from event coordinator and HPSC Assistant Principal Georgianne Kios, and then the entrée followed suit. Adding on to the fun from last year, the teachers decided to award some prizes to some of the best-looking people at formal. It goes without saying that everyone looked good, but the effort some people put into their clothing and hairstyling simply could not go without additional acknowledgement, a sentiment which the teachers shared. The best dressed female prize was designated to Elaha Mohebi of the class of 2025 cohort, who sported a light blue dress adorned with glittering diamond-like jewels, and crowned with a flowy cape. The best dressed male was awarded to Emmaneul Lacomel of the year 11 cohort. Other than those two, more given out, such as the best dressed award.

The first round of dancing commenced after the entrée, after which a mélange of eating, dancing and photo taking followed.  The photobooth available at the venue, a feature which was not present contributed to students’ abilities to preserve their memories of the night. The queue remained active until the last 15 minutes of the night, having been packed all night with friends and friendship groups wanting to create some memories. 

Dancing was the primary activity of the night, and many would outline it as the highlight of the evening. The fun and laughter that was present on the dance floor was in huge parts thanks to the DJ, who masterfully weaved an array of music from different cultures all catering to the taste of the youth at the event. His talent did not go unappreciated since the dance floor remained busy for as long the music was on. Such was the talent on the floor that the teachers decided to launch a dance off between four of the ‘best dancer’ contenders. The four competitors performed a truly entertaining display of rhythmic movement but alas, only one could be crowned the victor, and that Title went to Monson Silili of Year 11 cohort. A special appearance on the floor, which was surprising and well received by the students was that of the Principal, Mr. Wayne Haworth, who would not be outdone by the youth. What a sight it was!

At last, the night came to an end at 11pm, leaving with it a string of exhausted students and teachers, all of whom were satisfied with the success of the night. An honorable mention of the evening was the impromptu concert held by one of the year 12 student. In it, she sang shape of you by Ed Sheeran, a song which was well received by the student body. 

The night’s success was in huge parts thanks to the teachers and coordinators from HPSC. It was thanks to their effort in organizing the event that made the evening so noteworthy. Special thanks to the staff at the Grand who made the delicious food, the DJ whose’ s understanding of rhythm allowed many to display their culture on the dance floor, and to teachers Lisa Ho, Georgianne Kios, and Catherine Glenn who masterminded the entire event. 

From Zenani Onekon

From the Freeman House Team