Jamba Jam

Laurel Ridge’s First Ever All Grades Dance

By: Avery Stutz

Imagine going to your first school dance, something you have been looking forward to for a long time. You're spending hours with your best friends and dancing to loud, fun music. Some kids are dancing wildly on the floor, showing off their moves, while others stay clustered in groups. You hear enjoyable tunes, laughter, and shoes clicking on the dance floor. Delicious refreshments and snacks are served. It's a blast!

For the first time ever, Laurel Ridge Middle School will be hosting an all grades school dance, the Jamba Jam, on May 5, 2017 from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. Tickets will be sold in advance for $5 a week prior to the event. Jamba Juice beverages will be sold at the dance for $2.50. In addition, other refreshments and snacks will be available at no cost.

Moreover, it takes a lot of work and effort to arrange a school dance. Luckily, Laurel Ridge’s Leadership Two class has it all under control. The 8th graders have been working very diligently to make this dance possible. They had to organize the advertising, food, music, decorations, and the setup.

There are several different opinions on whether we should host an all grades school dance. Student Marlene Wilson says, “I don’t think that a grade wide dance is a great idea because most dances are with older students, like high schoolers or even 8th graders, while parties and dances are a great time for friends to get together, some people take it the wrong way and stress out on having or not having a date. Its also a little weird that our “Jamba Jam” is a Hawaiian theme when it is on Cinco De Mayo.” Marlene thinks that school dances should be for older kids rather than all ages. 7th grader Jane Westover says “I believe that it’s valuable to finally get a dance that everyone is invited to. However, I also think that it is important that the eighth graders still enjoy their own dance at their last year in middle school.” Jane is saying that it is fun that all grades have the chance to go to the school dance, but 8th graders should still get the chance to have their own dance. 7th grader Cayla Osborne says “I feel like it’s good for our school to include all grades in the dance because everyone is welcome to go and no one will feel left out or awkward.” Cayla is saying that it is nice to incorporate all grades in the dance, so that everyone can have a wonderful time together as a school.

All in all, Laurel Ridge is excited for the Jamba Jam. Thanks to the 8th graders in Leadership Two, this dance is possible. Hopefully, this all grade school dance will become an enjoyable tradition for LRMS. The Jamba Jam is a great time to have fun with friends, dance, and most importantly, make memories that will last a lifetime.