Valentines Banquet - Joel Westberg
Valentines Banquet: Behind the Mask Joel Westberg
 |
This year, I am not only the editor of our paper, but I am also the president of Student Association. From that perspective, I see things that few students see when it comes to our events.
What most students saw when it came to Valentine's Banquet can be described in a few short paragraphs. At around 6 o’clock, the young men of the guys’ dorm came and picked up their dates, then proceeded in their masquerade masks to the banquet in the chapel.
Inside, they entered what could only be described as New York's Central Park . A huge gate, a working fountain, live plants galore, and multiple skyscrapers gave the appearance of the famed location.
|
The students and staff sat down to beautiful china and glassware, and were waited upon by masked waiters. They nibbled on delicious breadsticks and salad as they waited for their spaghetti to be delivered. The entire delicious meal was topped off by delectable cheesecake that could only be described with one word: Yum! People mingled around, taking pictures at the various photo opportunities, such as by the fountain or in front of the skyscrapers of New York. Everyone laughed and enjoyed themselves, talking about each others’ masks, banquet, and the fun of the evening.
 |
But soon it all had to end. Students and staff were kindly ushered out of the room to allow SA to clean up and erase all evidence of an evening of elegance.
Of course, the story doesn’t end there. The entire process of creating a beautiful night like “A Masquerade in Central Park” takes weeks of planning and executing. Back in early January, the SA sat down and began to brainstorm about what banquet would be like. Many ideas went up and were shot back down again, such as renting a riverboat in New Orleans, doing a Phantom of the Opera theme, or going to a hotel ballroom for the banquet. But eventually, the decision was made for Central Park, and now for the next step, the diplomacy.
|
A formal proposal for the banquet had to be drafted and signed by myself and Mr. Brian Gauthier, the Student Association sponsor. After that, we sent it to Ad Council, and eagerly awaited the response as to whether or not what had become SA’s “baby” would get to come to life.
Approval was granted, much to my joy, and almost immediately we went around ordering and purchasing all supplies we would need for the banquet. Phone calls were made and a president became quite stressed as the date of banquet drew nearer and things began to fall into place.
Next came the food. Much to my relief, the cafeteria had offered to prepare food for us on the condition we gave them specifics on what we wanted. So SA’s treasurer, Ethan Reeves, Coach Culpepper and myself stayed up till almost midnight deciding on the menu for the elegant evening.
|
The Friday and Saturday night before banquet, all of SA was rounded up into the chapel to begin the long and strenuous process of changing it from an assembly hall into one of the most famous parks in the world. Dozens of chairs were stacked behind the stage as tables took their place. Cardboard decorations were assembled to add to the beauty of the room. A crew from the local Flower Bed assembled the fountain and delivered plenty of potted plants and trees. Tablecloths were placed and centerpieces arranged. Piece by piece, the entire banquet came together.
Then came the night of banquet itself. The entire day had been spent preparing last minute details, such as making sure the lights atop the skyscrapers worked, or perhaps lighting the candles that made up the centerpieces. We then left the chapel alone, allowing a small moment of peace for SA to get ready before 93 people would come in, all hungry.
|
|
Now banquet itself I have already described, except for the fact that plenty of SA officers were busy running backstage, plating food and presenting it to our famished guests. Plenty of last minute decisions were made, such as to not show the movie, for time had run out.
But after the people left, we began what still is going to be the long process of erasing the night from the chapel. The work that goes into a beautiful banquet goes long before the night, and plenty of time after. But despite the stress, exhaustion, yelling, and arguing, I can honestly that I enjoyed this banquet. But I will say this: I’m slightly less stressed now that its over.
