51����

To welcome the Class of 2030, the seniors at 51����, New England, organized the first dance of the semester on Saturday, showcasing American spirit with a “1950s Baseball” theme.  

The youngest and eldest classes made their way to the tennis courts for the outdoor dance venue, welcomed by red, white, and blue party streamers; American flags; and a painted baseball diamond complete with four bases. Pop-up tables and a blue pickup truck held refreshments of every variety, including pretzel rolls, French fries, popcorn, and pigs-in-a-blanket. On the other side of the dance floor, seniors whipped up milkshakes and cotton candy, propelling under- and upperclassmen alike into a nostalgic reverie.  

Sporting baseball caps, sneakers, and team T-shirts, the freshmen and seniors gathered for the first event of the evening: the class entertainment. The seniors recorded a news interview in which they debated the all-important question of whether baseball is better than soccer. Brendan Seeley (’27) hosted the news show, which featured seniors such as Dylan Peterson (’27) and Gianna Kelly (’27), as well as some surprise faces, including tutors and Chaplain Rev. John Mary Chung. Despite the dance’s theme, soccer won the ensuing vote for the seniors’ and faculty’s favorite sport.  

Undaunted by this outcome, the baseball-themed dance continued as classic swing and foxtrot hits began to play, welcoming students to the dance floor. As the night progressed, the seniors and freshmen grew closer as classes, glad to have the opportunity to talk in a relaxed environment. “This dance is so great,” related Ava Shanahan (’30), between sips of pink lemonade. “I’m so happy to be at TAC!”.  

More photos from the Senior-Freshman Dance 

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