Portland High Hosts 2nd Annual Foltz Formal

On November 17, Portland High School hosted their second annual Foltz Formal dance. This dance came after years of asking for a formal, since the only other formal event is prom for juniors and seniors only. “The students kept asking for a dance, so we compromised and gave them a semi formal,” said Portland High principal, Christine Rockey. After having such a successful dance last year, she was confident in going forward for the second. “The kids had a good time, and we earned a lot of money.”

Students and teachers alike looked forward to another night of dressing up and having fun. A more important reason for the dance was to honor and commemorate the loss of Brad Foltz, a former teacher at Portland High, who sadly lost his life in a car accident in 2013. After Mr. Foltz’ death, the former superintendent at Portland High, Charles Dumas, decided to create the Foltz Scholarship. The money that the dance raises goes into the scholarship, as well as technology for the school. In the last two years, the dance raised three hundred dollars for the scholarship, with the rest going into the technology fund.

The Student Council played a major role in setting up the dance the past two years. Planning for a photo booth, DJ, lights, and more took the work and dedication of council members. Luckily, volunteers as well as council members from each grade gave part of their time after school to help. “The dance this year was a success,” said Student Council Adviser Kacy Goeckel. “I believe we had almost 250 students there this year and my hope is for this to be an annual event. The students truly enjoyed themselves and everyone looked amazing!” The dance has provided a new opportunity to bring the school together and commemorate the loss of beloved teacher, Brad Foltz. It is the hope of students and faculty that this new tradition will carry on for years to come.

Ellie Rutkowski and Caelyn Smith are students at Portland High School and are yearbook staff members.