On January 31st, students gathered in the Performing Arts Center to indulge in a night celebrating renowned American literature. The English National Honor Society (RV Literary Scholars) held their first major event, a watch party for The Great Gatsby with snacks, pizza, and a photo-op at the entrance.
Leading up to the event, members of the honor society sold tickets, marketing each at $3.
The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald and published in 1925, ties in with the riveting time period of the 1920s, with its opulence and parties, and themes exploring social classes, wealth, and the American Dream. Therefore, guests were told to dress up to fit the time period of the 1920s. With copious amounts of symbolism, both in objects and colors, the novel stands the test of time as a great literary work.
Excitement around the event ran high, as senior Olivia Dragan noted before the showing.
“I am beyond excited,” Dragan said, “I think this is a great opportunity for the English Honor Society to support their scholarship, and I think it was super well put together, and the decorations outside are fantastic. I’m sure it’s going to be a fun time.”
Senior Isa Collins also echoed the same before the event, highlighting the importance of the event’s earnings towards the senior scholarship that the English Honor Society puts forth.
“I think it’s amazing that we’re coming together as a community to fundraise for a scholarship and also enjoy the literary arts,” Collins said.
The set-up for the event took place after school the same day, with volunteers putting up decorations at the entrance, setting up snacks, and welcoming guests. Students were then seated, some were provided headbands to be “in theme.” Many students were dressed to impress, in suits or in dresses.
Seating began at 4:30, with the movie starting at around 5:00, and it was a clear success. The movie was excellent, but what really shone through was the intentions and work of the English Honor Society Officers and their advisors, something that Ms. Becker iterated when asked about her thoughts on the event.
“I think that this is super exciting. I think we put this together in two and a half weeks, so it was a pretty fast turnaround,” Becker said. “I’m really impressed by the members of the society and how they sold their tickets and fulfilled their responsibilities. It’s an exciting inaugural event for the organization to kind of get our name out there, and we’re really looking forward to our next thing, which is blind date with a book and Read Across America.”
Ms. Panther, another advisor for the English Honor Society, also reflected on the experience in a similar light.
“Great planning went into the event, and I’m very proud of the officers who have worked tirelessly to make this come together.
Ms. Becker also should be applauded for organizing everything, as far as tickets and purchasing items for the display. We’re hoping students will have a deeper appreciation for F. Scott Fitzgerald and his great work, despite having to learn it in the classroom and have fun while reading it and experiencing it.” Panther said.
The general perception of the event was great, a night of food and fun while relaxing and enjoying a piece of literature through the screen. Everyone clearly enjoyed the event, as seniors Natalie Gambogi and Alexis Huber said, “We love the enthusiasm that the honor society put into the event.”
A round of applause to the English Honor Society for their first event of the club’s existence, as students hope to see what creative and innovative ideas it will produce next.
