By Phoenix journalist Nicholas Motta ’20:
On Friday, September 21, the freshman class kicked off its year with the freshman dance.
About 350 freshmen attended the dance, each homeroom vying for the coveted breakfast, won by the group with the highest attendance. They danced all night to DJ O’Brien’s constant stream of pop, country, rap, and Kellenberg classic Christian rock music. DJ O’Brien played Kellenberg hits to create the mood of faithful fun that permeated the event.
The event, organized by the Freshman GSO, whose members worked diligently to curate an action-packed evening for the freshmen. Along with the GSO, Marianist Mentors and Mr. O’Brien provided the attendees with an interesting and interactive first Kellenberg dance experience. Universally known and beloved songs such as “The Great Adventure” and “Dive” by Steven Curtis Chapman as well as “God’s Great Dance Floor” by Chris Tomlin were introduced to the freshmen for the first time. Songs like “The Cupid Shuffle” that freshmen practice in Music 9 also made an appearance in addition to other dance hits like the “Cotton Eye Joe.”
The dance took place in the boys’ gym and attendees were provided with refreshments in the cafeteria.
Freshman Ryan Figueroa said, “The dance had a crazy dynamic to it that increased the liveliness of the experience. I’ve never had so much fun!”
The theme of the night was a harvest festival. The autumnal spirit was present with the many balloons that had vibrant seasonal colors and in the outfits of the Marianist Mentors, who dressed in flannels for the occasion.
Freshman Joe Mercogliano ’22 commented, “The dance allowed me and my friends to have a great experience to further our faith in fun!” He states that his faith “was enhanced tenfold through songs, friends, and Mentors.” His favorite song was “Dive” which he said, “gave the dance a religious vibe.”
The dance affords the freshmen a chance to bond with new friends and make new memories. The faith aspect of the dance also gives them a chance to further their respect and reverence for God in a social setting.