Participants and officials in the UYSC inaugural Presentation Ball, back left to right, Melissa Cains, Tehan Smulders, Trenton Eales, principal Robert Miller, Luke Kennedy, Tim Thorne, Brooke Oakley and Matilda Gribble. Lower back are Angelo Rosas-Ortiz, Josh Taylor, Cameron Cooke and, middle, D’Hana Wright, assistant principal Patricia Broom, school council president Doug Fisher, assistant principal Debbie Morrish and Lauren McPherson. Front are David Bedggood, Chantelle Vanderlinden, Taylor Donders and Pat Ford.
By Kath Gannaway
EIGHT stunning young couples waltzed into history on 12 August as participants in the inaugural Upper Yarra Secondary College Presentation Ball.
The ball was held at Linley Estate with the 16 young people taking centre stage in what was described by UYSC assistant principal Tricia Broom as an elegant evening for the 150 guests, and a fitting celebration in the school’s 50th year.
Ms Broom said the group trained conscientiously for 10 weeks with Mark Schroeders from MarShere Dance Studio, mastering seven dances, incuding a spectacular Tango … rose and all!
The couples – boys and girls – were presented to school principal, Robert Miller, Ms Janet Haase of DEECD, and college captain, Jessica Bishop. College vice captain, Janet Laws made the introductions.
D’Hahna Wright and Brooke Oakley initiated the ball after they learned the traditional debutante ball held in Upper Yarra was not happening this year.
Brooke said she had always wanted to take part that tradition but had the opportunity to change the focus so it was equally about the boys and the girls.
They said the weeks of practice brought together students whose paths don’t cross in other activities and that some great friendships were made.
“We have started a tradition for the school and we hope it will keep going,” D’Hahna said. Each student had a special someone join them for a dance lesson the week before the ball so they could partner them on the dance floor after their presentation set.
“The dancing was excellent, and that dance proved to be a highlight for all the participants,” Ms Broom said.
