The students of Sacred Hearts Academy gathered at Ala Moana Hotel on Friday, Dec. 13 for the annual Winter Ball, one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the school year. Students arrived donning elegant gowns and suits buzzing with excitement at the opportunity to showcase their style and make lasting connections. For many students, the highlight of this pivotal moment is the preparation and finding the right dress.
For weeks leading up to the event, students pampered themselves with manicures and lashes and went dress shopping. When I attended the ball, I was greeted by a sea of sequined gowns and sharply tailored suits. It wasn’t just about the night itself; for many, the preparation and anticipation were what made the event truly special. This year, the preparation was made even more personal by the efforts of sophomores Mia and Ava Lagapa who helped numerous students get ready for the big night.
Each day leading up to the event, I would often see Mia and Ava Lagapa sitting on benches outside the lockers at the Academy performing lash applications for their fellow students. When I approached them and asked how many people they had helped prepare, they both laughed and told me, “Almost everyone.” In addition, I was surprised to learn that this wasn’t a chance to turn a profit for the girls. They weren’t charging for their lash services. Despite the clear demand for beauty services leading up to the event, Mia and Ava Lagapa were offering their skills for free.
“I brought my cousin to the Winter Ball, and people were asking if she got her lashes done,” Ava said. “She would say no, they’re just clusters, and that was rewarding.” Their selfless approach highlighted the sense of camaraderie that defines the Winter Ball experience.
In addition to treatments such as eyelash extensions, students can spend up to three hours preparing for the event. The most common amount of time that students spent preparing was an hour and a half, a testament to the importance of expression.
The Winter Ball has been a beloved tradition at the Academy for years. Head of Student Activities Gwen Sagapolutele, who has been with the school for six years, spoke about the enduring significance of the event. The Winter Ball has always been held at the Ala Moana Hotel due to its convenience and safety, especially for younger students. For parents, the hotel’s location also allows them to enjoy a trip to Ala Moana Center while waiting for their daughters.
Planning the Winter Ball takes months of careful coordination. In the weeks leading up to the event, Sagapolutele’s office becomes a hub of activity with students gathering around seating charts, filling out forms and preparing their payments.
Over the years style has evolved and grown, and at the forefront of this are teenagers cultivating their styles in this time of change. Often their styles are influenced by cultural and social events. The most significant change Sagapolutele noticed over the years was the preference for longer dresses, especially those with slits on the front or side.
“It’s a lot of work,” Sagapolutele said. But the planning doesn’t stop there. Faculty members also work on the logistics for the venue, securing a DJ, organizing the photo booth and arranging chaperones along with security for the night. The Winter Ball is a tradition that brings the Academy community together. Whether through selfless acts of kindness like those of Mia and Ava Lagapa or the meticulous planning by the faculty, the event is a testament to the spirit of the school and the lasting memories it creates for everyone involved.
