After weeks of preparation, Leadership threw the Aloha Festival on Friday, August 15th. With a dance floor, food trucks, and activities, Leadership put a new spin on a revived tradition.
“I think bringing back Amador Aloha is something that has been much needed at this school and I’m hoping it grows in size so that it’s something that’s almost as large as our homecoming dance because I think it’s a good chance for kids to get reconnected with all their friends right after school starts,” said Leadership Advisor Wendy Connelly.
The Aloha Festival was once the Aloha Dance, meant to expose underclassmen to high school semi-formals. However, the event did not return to Amdor after COVID. Because of the recent dip in school spirit, ASB decided to bring back a new and improved finale to Aloha Week.
“Our goal for the whole thing is to capture the spirit of Aloha…so we worked really hard over the summer to make sure that all of our events, the rally, the spirit week, the dance, were as inclusive and interactive and spirited and great as possible,” said Event Coordinator Stella Short (‘26).
The Aloha Festival was the culmination of a week of fun games, spirit days, and the Aloha Rally. Information for the event and the required medical packet was available at Don Pickup Day and Freshman Orientation. Ticket prices were cheaper than future events such as Homecoming or Prom.
The Festival happened in the quad in front of the library. Students could dance, eat, or play games like cornhole. Leadership arranged three food trucks, games, and assorted glow sticks as the night went on. The student community also gathered around the DJ stand for an impromptu moshpit.
“I see a lot of underclassmen here today, so I think that it’s a great way for them to actually form communities and makes new friends…and this is also a great event for them to get to know each other a little more,” said festival attendee Maya Mithani (‘26).
The Aloha Festival is the first of many new events ASB has planned for the next school year.
