Snowball: A Hypnotic Experience

27 December 2016Cara A, Mackenzie ‘17; Photo by Katrina Tarrant

Snowball: A Hypnotic Experience In a school full of 500+ students, it is tempting to keep to your own social groups, house, team or grade. With life as a senior student different from life as a junior, a sense of disconnect can occur. Decades ago, the late Mrs. Beth Melhuish came up with an event that would solve this problem. And thus, the Brentwood tradition of Snowball was born. The concept of Snowball is quickly shared with the new students during Orientation. A junior student may ask a senior student to the dinner and dance that takes place in December – and the senior has to say yes. When I was in Grade 9, I remember being ambushed by Grade 12s in my house who were looking for juniors to ask their friends. As overwhelming as it was, the excitement that filled the numerous conversations about Snowball was contagious and I soon found myself standing in front of one of Whittall Houses’ tallest seniors asking him to a dance. Three months later, I was sitting at a table full of students from all different grades having the time of my life. As memorable as my first Snowball was, Snowball 2016 was unlike the previous years. As much as we like to honour our tradition where the juniors ask the seniors, it is important that everyone feels welcome to attend. Many tables were full of friends wanting to share the evening together. As dates and friends shuffled in with flowers and chocolates in hand, they saw that Crooks Hall had been transformed by parent volunteers, the grad council, and the maintenance staff into a winter wonderland. The kitchen staff had also worked tirelessly to prepare the delicious meal that Snowball is known for. With a massive carved roast, vegetable medleys, and countless bread rolls, the Snowball dinner is highly anticipated and salivated over. After the delicious meal and some time to get pictures at the photobooths, the students were called over to the Killy Theatre for a special show. The Grad Council decided to switch things up this year and so they brought in famous hypnotist Robert Mesmer in the place of the usual dance portion of the night. Many students were skeptical of Mesmer’s skills, but they were all proven wrong when they saw seven of their classmates get completely hypnotized and mind-controlled right in front of their eyes. After the show, the students poured out of the theatre buzzing about what they had just seen. The bond between the students was undeniable. Through initially awkward coffee dates, hours of getting ready, and an evening full of connections and smiles, the Brentwood community becomes more of a family. A huge thank you to Grad President, Olivia B, Alex ’17, Mrs. Martin, the Grad Council, the food services staff, the parent volunteers, maintenance staff, Mr. Armitage, and the laundry ladies for making this year’s Snowball the most special one yet. Cara A, Mackenzie ‘17

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