GCA newspaper - Issue 2 - Chrismas Issue 2017

“At school we sit at the same table [with our friends], but there is a sense of freedom and relaxation that
banquet brings,” said Ashton Grant, sophomore. “I think that’s important.”
Escorting girls from the dorm began at 1:45 p.m., and they were escorted back at 11:30 p.m. In between
those hours, much took place. From dinner to pictures, games to movies, the evening was filled with excitement.
The night started at Howe’s Farm, a popular wedding venue. People were awestruck as they walked into the dining
room. Christmas cheer was truly alive in the well decorated wooden hall.
While the location and decorations took peoples’ breath away, not everyone immediately relaxed. Annabelle Harper,
senior, is part of both the yearbook and newspaper staff. Upon arriving at the venue, she had to find a way to balance
many responsibilities.
“The most rewarding thing is the people,” said Harper.
“[They may say afterward] ‘Oh, she took a good picture,’ or
‘Oh, she used my quote!’ Including people is the best part of it.”
In the midst of all this busyness, there was a unique sense of
warmth around those attending the banquet. It was an environment
that kept people smiling and laughing. The SA was able
to create what junior Sydney Lopez called, “an atmosphere of
unity amongst the school.”
As the students left the farm and arrived at the IMAX
Theater in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to watch the Polar Express,
people were able to relax and joke together. The night ended
with students sipping hot chocolate by a large, well-lit Christmas
tree. Even though the air was crisp and chilly, everybody
was content.
On the bus ride back to the school, couples and friends huddled together to discuss the night. Overall, the Christmas
Banquet of 2017 was a huge success. From the
activity, to the cheery environment, it truly was a night
never to be forgotten.
“It means a lot to everybody,” said Devin
Schlisner, sophomore. “People come here together
in total understanding that this is a special event in
which you get to have fun with the people you care
about.”
While the decorations make the night, the people
make the memories. That is something SA remembered
to incorporate into this year’s Christmas banquet.
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