Past the balloon arch, and into the Old Aux Gym at Fishers High School from 7-9 p.m. you could find freshmen and sophomores on Friday, Feb. 13, dancing and enjoying time with friends and classmates alike. The Winter Formal was not only hosted by Riley Dance Marathon as an event for underclassmen to enjoy a setting similar to prom, since they can not attend, but it was also an event to fundraise money for Riley Children’s Hospital. 

“[Coming to the dance] makes me feel happy that I get to impact and help the kids at Riley,” freshman Layla Casiano said.  

Senior Avni Patel takes a leading role at the Winter Formal in order to also support Riley Children’s Hospital. 

“I am the coordinator for FHS Riley Dance Marathon,” Patel said. “I coordinate and plan different events and fundraiser events like this one.” 

Patel also enjoys seeing energetic student-life at events such as the Winter Formal. 

“I see so many kids having fun already, so it makes me really happy that they are actually enjoying this dance,” Patel said. 

Mrs. Touketto, a chaperone at the Winter Formal, shares a similar mindset. 

“My favorite part about the dance is seeing kids dressed up in their fancier clothes,” Touketto said. 

Aside from the appreciation of blossoming student life, some of these same students came to the Winter Formal with their friends. 

“I came with Livi [Burchfield] because we’re best friends,” junior Farah Talib, a volunteer for the food stand at the Winter Formal, said. “Going to this dance improves my high school experience by being able to hang out with everybody from school.” 

Casiano also attended the dance with people who are important to her. 

“I came to this dance with two of my closer friends,” Casiano said. 

The FHS Winter Formal was a dance that both allowed students to have fun with the people they care about but also raise funds for Riley Children’s Hospital. It provided importance for friendship and children who are in need.