One of the most anticipated events for Year 10 students at CRC Caroline Springs is the annual formal, and on 3 July, we celebrated this milestone at the Lakeside Banquet and Convention Centre. The evening marked the end of our first semester, filled with a vibrant mix of relief, excitement, and friendship. It was a night to celebrate our hard work, reflect on our achievements, and create lasting memories through dancing, singing, and shared laughter.
The evening began with students arriving at the venue in style—some chauffeured by parents, others stepping out of limousines with friends, all dressed in stunning formal attire. The girls shone in an array of elegant dresses, each reflecting their unique style, while the boys looked sharp in tailored suits, exuding confidence and charm. Parents gathered outside, snapping photos to capture the moment before we entered the venue.
In the foyer, a professional photography station and a displayed seating chart welcomed us. As we located our table numbers, we flowed into the elegantly decorated function room. Circular tables draped in black linens, labelled with numbers, were adorned with silver and gold balloons that added a festive touch. A lively photo booth in one corner attracted students throughout the night, with groups posing in animated duos, trios, and larger groups. At the centre of the room, an empty dance floor awaited, flanked by the DJ’s elevated setup, set to ignite the evening’s energy.
The night officially began with brief speeches from Mr. Sammut and Ms. Conforti, who outlined the evening’s schedule and set a warm tone. I had the honour of delivering a prayer, expressing gratitude for the occasion and the successful semester, followed by an inspiring address from Mr. Madigan. With formalities concluded, the atmosphere shifted to pure celebration. Students flooded the dance floor, grooving to 2000s pop classics, singing R&B tunes, and dancing along to familiar songs. The energy on that dance floor was contagious and potent, at some points attracting the whole cohort onto the dance floor as they screamed lyrics or jumped up and down. Others moved between tables and the photo booth, capturing candid moments with friends. The dance floor remained the heart of the night, pulsing with energy as we danced and celebrated together, forging unforgettable memories.
The evening culminated in the much-anticipated awards ceremony. Throughout the night, excitement built around the "Best Female Dancer" and "Best Male Dancer" awards, with a mysterious third award—"Star of the Night"—that remained unknown. Ms. Conforti, the pioneer behind the event’s decoration, was warmly acknowledged for her efforts in making this night special for us. Further thanks were extended to the all additional staff for their contributions to making the night seamless and memorable.
When the awards were announced, the room buzzed with anticipation. Cienna Victuelles and Klark Nuestro were honoured as "Best Female Dancer" and "Best Male Dancer," respectively, for their standout performances on the dance floor. The "Star of the Night" award, revealed as an award to the student who embodied the spirit of the event by engaging with and respecting others as well as their energy, was presented to Monique Schnellmann. Each recipient was met with a raucous and celebratory round of applause.
The Year 10 Formal was more than a celebration of the semester’s end; it was a milestone in our journey at CRC Caroline Springs. It brought old friends closer, welcomed new friends into our lives, and gave us a chance to revel in our collective successes. The event’s success was a testament to the hard work of Ms. Conforti, Mr Sammut and the entire organising team, to whom we owe immense gratitude. Their dedication ensured the night was a cherished memory for all.
To next year’s Year 10 students, I cannot emphasise enough the importance of attending this unforgettable event. It’s a night to celebrate your achievements, bond with friends, and create memories that will stay with you long after you leave CRC Caroline Springs. Thank you to everyone who made this evening extraordinary.
