On the evening of Friday, January 26, the juniors arrived in the Dining Room for the 20th annual Gatsby Ball. Inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s famous novel, “The Great Gatsby,” the event represents the unique lifestyles of those living in the 1920s or the “Roaring Twenties.”

“Even though we just started the book, I think the Gatsby Ball helped lay a good foundation so [that] we can … immerse ourselves better into the book,” said junior Bella Svanberg. “It was very authentic of what the 1920s was like… [with] the music, the food [and] the ambiance. It truly felt like I was in a different era.”

The ball was sponsored by English Department Chair Sarah Boragno and English Teacher Esthermaria Martin, who decided attendees had a choice to come as a character from “The Great Gatsby,” a historical figure from the era or a staple from that period, such as a jazz musician.

“I was excited because I think that one of the really important things when it comes to literature is having choice and having ownership in who you read and what you read,” said Boragno. “[Being] able to find what fulfills your personal need of identifying with a character … is really important.”

Students interviewed three other classmates about which person they came dressed as to help them write an English analysis essay on 1920s American society.

“I had an amazing time at the Gatsby ball and loved to get dressed up, interview all of my friends and see who everybody was dressed up as,” said junior Genevieve Land.

Students were encouraged to embody their characters. Junior Aditi Joshi was given the Best Character Award.

The Gatsby Ball continues to be a tradition for the juniors to learn about the Roaring Twenties.