Winter Wonderland: Brentwood’s Snowball

28 December 2025Liza D, Mack ‘26

On December 6th, 2025, Brentwood students cleaned up nicely and spent a glamorous evening at the annual Winter Formal: Snowball. The premise of Snowball is that junior members of the student body ask senior students to accompany them to a formal dinner: the goal is to come together and get to know each other. Juniors are told about this tradition early in September, and many rush to secure a date! But no worries, a date is not mandatory to attend this exciting event.

Despite the lack of snow, Snowball was a success! Early on Saturday, Ms Tammie Ramsay, Head of Interhouse, Head of Grad, Whittall Assistant Houseparent, and the Grad Council, worked to set up Crooks Hall as an unrecognizable Winter Wonderland. Grad President Sahir T said, “I cannot wait for an evening full of games, chocolates, and photos with the whole school.” There was everything from Christmas trees, artificial trees with beautiful white lights, statues of Santa Claus and everything else Christmas. Students rushed in dressed in suits and ties and beautiful dresses.

The evening commenced with groups heading to their assigned tables and busting open card games, “Would You Rather”, or any other tabletop game they knew to break the ice. Snowball is a great event that gives juniors and seniors an opportunity to bond with each other and build friendships throughout the school community. Not only were the conversations great, but so was the delicious food. The Food Services Staff treated us to a buffet-style dinner consisting of salads, vegetables, and various proteins. Jonathan G, Rogers ‘29 shared, “I’m so grateful I get to go to Snowball this year so I can eat this great food.”

After the students were full and satisfied, the rush of photos happened. People hurried to take pictures on the couches in McNeill’s or in front of the Christmas tree and lights. It was great to see everyone looking their best, and having the best time with their friends, dates, and even fan-favourite Insuk, a member of Food Services who hopped out from behind the scenes and struck some amazing poses for the cameras. “The students didn’t dance much, but their commitment to taking pictures from every possible angle? Inspirational,” stated MC and Boarding Faculty Assistant of Privett House, Mr Ethan Deline.

This year, things were done a little differently: after the dinner and photos, some creative, captivating, and collaborative games began. Students were picked at random and asked to name things that fit into categories like “Things you hide in your dorm room,” and whoever guessed an item the highest in the list of rankings won! It was fun, new, and we all enjoyed it!

This event was a wholesome and great way to end the calendar year before we headed off for winter break – only to meet again in the new year.

Much appreciation to Ms Tammie Ramsay, the Grad Council, the Food Services team, the Boarding Faculty Assistants, the parent volunteers, and anyone else who helped set up and ensure this event ran smoothly. Thank you and Happy Holidays!

Liza D, Mack ‘26

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