The planning process for the Junior Ring Dance at OHS was a collaborative effort that brought the junior execs together. Sydney Wideman played a crucial role in organizing the event, showcasing her leadership skills and dedication to making it a memorable night for her and her classmates.
“The planning process for the junior ring honestly wasn’t too difficult,” Wideman said.
Under the guidance of Renee Lamatina, the administrative assistant for the Class of 2026, the junior executive team collaborated to bring the event to life. They began meeting during an ANP period, where they brainstormed ideas and worked closely with a sales associate from Jostens to plan everything from superlatives to playlists.
“We talked about what junior rings and class rings meant to our class and used that to help promote Jostens,” Wideman said.
While the team had a head start with the venue already chosen, they focused their energy on decisions that mattered most to them. Creating the perfect playlist became one of their biggest challenges.
“We really wanted to pick songs that were clean and that people in our grade would enjoy,” Wideman said. “It took us a little bit to figure that out, but from most of the people I heard from, the playlist was pretty good.”
The junior executive team, which included class president Aseya Kadymova and co-vice presidents Molly Pfaff and Wideman, made teamwork their priority. They relied on group chats and impromptu meetings to ensure everything was on track.
“There weren’t really any last-minute issues,” Wideman said. “We’re pretty good at improvising, so everything at the dance went pretty smoothly.”
For Oakville juniors, the Junior Ring Dance holds a special significance, as it replaces the traditional Junior Prom found at other schools. For many of the juniors, it’s not just a dance but a moment to receive their class rings — mementos that symbolize their high school experiences.
“By the time you’re a junior, you pretty much have a good idea of who you are in high school and everything you’re involved in. The Junior Ring Dance really captures all of that and celebrates your high school experience a little before it’s over,” Wideman said.
Wideman reflected on the intimate and joyful atmosphere of the dance, where the juniors came together to celebrate as a class.
“The dance was very fun because we were surrounded by people only in our grade,” Wideman said. “It was just nice seeing all of my friends outside of their element, taking pictures and having a great time.”
