Stepping out Gatsby style

Grade 12 pupils at Ashton International College celebrated their matric dance in 1920s style on Saturday, April 25 as they attended ‘The Great Gatsby Ball’ in the school’s new Grace Hall – the first dance in the new building.

The event marks a memorable occasion for the school as it celebrated the transition of its pupils to bigger and better things with an inaugural ball that saw pupils, their parents and staff alike, bursting with pride.

Donning tailored suits to turn Al ‘Scarface’ Capone green with envy and wearing dresses flowing with elegance – the young adults beamed with the promise of bright futures.

One of the organisers of the event, Samantha de Vries, who together with Amore Steenberg put the entire night together, said that the dance was the culmination of months of hard work and planning.

“Fundraising began in October 2014, with the décor beginning on Tuesday and ending after five long, hard days and nights,” said De Vries.

Embracing the era of the ‘speak-easy’ was as difficult for many of the students as it was exciting.

Head girl Anika Botha said “I’m so excited, but also sad as tonight means it will all be over soon.”

Head boy Alwyn Small said that it was a night that “exceeded all expectations.”

Owner of the school, Andre Buys said that he was overjoyed to see the students so happy.

“Having the dance at the school for the first time cements the whole school community together.”