On February 23, CCHS’s cafeteria was transformed into an art gallery and the auditorium into a runway. The first annual Met Gala allowed guests to silently bid on art, watch performances and enjoy a fashion show from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Before entering the cafeteria, guests had to purchase either a general admission or a VIP ticket. A VIP ticket granted those who purchased it food from six different vendors, priority seating for the performances and fashion show and an assortment of desserts. General admission gave those who purchased an assortment of desserts and regular seating.
Inside, guests could silently bid on art made by students in Art Club or on art made for Black History Month. Attendees could also bid on special packages that Debate Club put together, with things such as gift cards, escape room vouchers and exercise classes inside. While placing their bids, attendees could enjoy their food or desserts and listen to a small group of students playing instrumental music.
Once everyone viewed the art and bid on some pieces, the performances began. First was a preview of the upcoming spring musical “Into the Woods,” followed by an array of spoken word poems, raps and songs from Multicultural Club.
“I liked all of the performances and poems from Multicultural Club,” sophomore Amelia Wesley said. “I just think that everything was so meaningful and appropriate for the event.”
“I just think that everything was so meaningful and appropriate for the event.”
Some of the poems and songs performed by the students of Multicultural Club were written to take a stance on issues and to make a change. Some of the poems focused on topics such as gun violence, mental health, bullying, internet culture and love. Songs and raps performed by club members were originally written or covered by the performers. “Tell Me” was written by Reece Suarez and performed by Veronica Martinez and himself.
“My friend Reece actually wrote the song and asked me to perform with him,” sophomore Veronica Martinez said. “I wanted to [perform] for him and show that it’s okay to stand out and to not be afraid to show your talent.”
After Multicultural Club, the chorus performed a song and several students from National Honor Society (NHS) performed afterwards. Beginning with a student-conducted band performance, the NHS students’ acts included original and parody raps, spoken word poems and a self-choreographed dance. After the final act, everyone rushed over to the auditorium for the fashion show.
“I loved every moment of the fashion show,” sophomore Alexa Jaspan said. “I loved all of the sparkles and every dress, every model looked absolutely amazing.”
“I loved all of the sparkles and every dress, every model looked absolutely amazing.”
The first looks of the night were made by students in Fashion 1, who created outfits out of unconventional materials such as candy wrappers or solo cups. These looks are titled “Sugar High, ” “In Living Color,” “Blast from the Past,” “Temps de Fête” and “I am Fashion.” Then, models wearing Hannah and Shayna Cohen’s fashion line TwinTuition walked the runway. After TwinTuition, the looks from the Fashion Design Team (FDT) were showcased on the runway.
“Seeing my work displayed in the fashion show makes me feel very accomplished and happy to know that my months work had paid off,” sophomore and member of FDT Julia Safrin said. “The amount of excitement and joy I️ felt watching my model walk down the runway in my outfit is indescribable and overwhelming.”
After the FDT’s looks were presented, Thomas Emoff’s line Pure Imagination was showcased and two special looks dedicated to The Wounded Warrior Project, NHS, Music and Multicultural Club walked the runway. Then, a series of prom looks were showcased, courtesy of the event’s sponsors, Men’s Wearhouse and Patricia South’s Bridal and Formal.
“The fashion show in general was pretty fantastic,” senior Karla Jimenez said. “I didn’t know Thomas Emoff had a line so I was very excited to see that and then some of the prom dresses were pretty fantastic too, now I have some ideas in my head for prom.”
Photo by Ryan Sullivan
