Allard Open House

28 January 2013Lauren A, Allard ‘13

Last Saturday night was Allard Open House, the event where our residence gracefully transformed into a glamorous Barbie Dream House. The Barbie theme was conjured by Nyla N’s imagination during her Grade 11 year following last year’s Open House. Planning for this year’s open house was therefore spread out over the course of almost a year and gave the Allard Grade 12s the chance to make it one not soon to be forgotten.

Barbie, Ken, and all their fabulous acquaintances occupied the hallways and the portraits throughout Allard giving you the impression of being inside Barbie’s own dream house. Pink and blue streamers lined the stairwells. Pink cupcakes and drinks were served in every populated space. A photo booth decorated by Annie K was occupied every minute, and a dance in the foyer complete with lights and a professional sound system were the components which combined to make Allard Open House 2013 a huge hit.

The Grade 12s even went so far as to accommodate the hockey fanatics by setting up a hockey TV room for the Canucks game. This added bonus convinced even the most serious lockout-starved Canucks fans to come down to Allard and join the party.

Every hallway, common room, and open dorm room was filled with students dressed as the Barbie or Ken of their dreams. Some Grade 9 boys even came as their version of a Barbie. Food and drinks, including veggies and dip, chip mixes, pink cupcakes, cream soda, and raspberry ginger ale circulated through every inch of the house keeping everyone satisfied. The variety of food choices matched the variety of Barbie costumes.

The Barbie Dream House theme provided visitors with the opportunity to dream big and be who they wanted to be. The sea of pink, sparkles, and polos in the dance area never vacated until the final moments of the successful night.

Teachers and students are still raving about the positive feedback from the event, which could not make the Allard Grads more proud. This year we wanted it to shine and get the students truly excited. The fun-filled night sets the bar extremely high for next year’s Allard Open House. Good luck to Allard Grad ‘14!

Lauren A, Allard ‘13

Where Students Choose To Be