While Covid-19 forced the cancellation of some school balls, Napier Boys’ High School’s senior students had a night to remember.
One-hundred-and-fifty young men and their partners, along with NBHS staff filled the Old Church, decorated in an ‘Into the Wild’ theme, on Saturday, August 8 (before lockdown restrictions).
As it is reserved for year 13s, with a select few year 12s drawn out of a hat, it meant this year’s event was the first school ball for many of those in attendance.
Head Boy, Nicholas Mannering said it is a highlight of the year for many seniors.
“It went pretty smoothly,” he said. “It was nice to see all our mates and everybody all dressed up because it’s probably going to be the last time.”
Fellow prefect Jake Christian-Goss shared similar sentiments. “I reckon it was good because it’s probably the last time we are going to see all our mates all dressed up together at Napier Boys’.”
Many hours were spent planning the ball, organised by a dedicated committee made up of year 13s and guided by the organisation of Mrs Jayne White.
Nicholas and Jake said Mrs White did the “heavy lifting” when it came to planning. The hardest part of the process was coming up with the theme, they said.
Musical duo Annabelle & Ash, and Dunedin-based DJ Hamish Todd provided entertainment, along with a mechanical bull. Catering provided food throughout the evening, along with a doughnut truck and ice cream truck. And photographers, as well as several photo booths captured the night’s festivities.
Deputy headmaster Bruce Smith said it was important the ball went ahead to give the boys something to look forward to.
“We are trying to keep as much going as we can especially for the year 13s because it is really their year. So we do not want them to miss out on anything,” he said.
Photo / Corena Hodgson – ‘Photography by Corena’
