The Class of 2017 hosted this year’s Winter Ball on Friday, Jan. 9 in the school cafeteria. The theme of the semiformal was “Yule Ball,” based on the formal ball that takes place on Christmas in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire during the Triwizard Tournament.

The theme was met with mixed reactions from students that ranged from enthusiastic to disappointed.

“I was really excited for the theme because I love Harry Potter. The Yule Ball theme was a cool and original idea, and I think they executed it pretty well,” said freshman Courtney Kushnir of Colts Neck.

Freshman Niki Dallicardillo of Wall said she was “skeptical” at first, but then found that the decorations were executed well.

“It was definitely Harry Potter, but not over the top,” Dallicardillo said.

While dancing was the main focus, other options available for guests included a photo booth provided by the Photo Club and a buffet stocked with snacks.

Class of 2017 adviser Ginny Clevenger handled the drink station, dubbed “The Three Broomsticks” after the bar in the fictional village of Hogsmeade. Butterbeer, a special drink from the series, was served here.

As per usual for Winter Ball, students were allowed one outside guest.

“CHS is like Hogwarts, except instead of magic they have Ethernet cables,” said Allied Academy of Health and Science student Arianna Valdez.

Sophomore Class President Mark DiSpigna said the event was a success.

“I think I speak for the entire sophomore class when I say the Yule Ball was a greater success than any of us could have imagined,” DiSpigna said. “None of it would have been possible without the collaboration of each individual person.”

The Class of 2017 charged $10 for tickets before break and $12 for tickets after break. The Yule Ball raised over $3,400.

A photo slideshow from Winterball can be found here.