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June 27th 2023
The end of A levels, for many of us, did not bring a moment of subdued peace, but instead an excited rush to organise the Class of 2023’s Leavers' Ball. The days leading up to prom consisted of hurried trips to Hobbycraft to source decorations for the tables and trying to figure out a playlist that would appeal to the wide range of music taste across the year group. A troop of UVI students assembled to dress the Refectory before the big night, and we spent an hour wrestling with the strings of fairy lights as we tried to attach them to columns outside whilst Mr McCready’s mathematics teacher tendencies shone through when he helped us to ensure all of the tables were set with faultless rotational symmetry.
When the night of 24 June arrived, the Class of 2023 returned to school dressed flawlessly and excited to catch up with one another. I was delighted by how everyone’s outfits appeared to be a true reflection of themselves. No two outfits looked the same, and the vibrant group photo that will be treasured by all of us proves what a brilliantly eclectic group of young people our year is. We were blessed with wonderfully warm weather, and gathered on the Cloisters Lawn for drinks with our parents before heading inside for a wonderful meal. Conversation flowed freely at the tables and the relaxed atmosphere of a group of people who were relieved to be reaching and celebrating the end of exams was clear to all in attendance. I felt very grateful for the chance to sit back and appreciate the friends I have been lucky enough to spend the past few years with.
As the sun set to conclude the evening, most of the students were still dancing the night away and most of the teachers, in a very wise move, stepped outside to enjoy the summer evening air and the beauty of the grounds. However we spent the evening, whether we were in the middle of the dance floor or chatting quietly with close friends before the parting of ways, we could all agree that the evening was a success. In a position of leadership, you start to learn how much effort goes into this kind of celebration, and we are all incredibly grateful for the efforts of the multitude of people who made the event possible. Our warmest thanks go to the Catering staff, for preparing a brilliant range of food for us to enjoy, the Lower Sixth students, for giving up their Saturday to serve us food, all of the teachers involved in organisation and decoration, and to Miss Federico for capturing the memories with her photographs that we will treasure for a lifetime. The evening would not have been as magical without you.
Charlotte (U6SUT)
