Hi-Tri is preparing to host the annual Sweetheart Dance on February 24 in Changnon Gym. This year’s sweetheart theme is “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” to honor the solar eclipse happening on April 8.
Hi-Tri is a club at MV sponsored by Ms. Tami Lovin, with Mrs. Tyra Anderson accompanying her.
“All members of Hi-Tri have input into decisions about the dance and will help when we decorate,” said Hi-Tri Advisor, Ms. Lovin.
Hi-Tri is an organization founded at Mt. Vernon High School in 1925. The organization is traditionally for girls; however, any high school student may join.
“ Annual activities include a picnic at the beginning of each school year, a charity project, the Sweetheart Dance, and a Mother-Daughter/Senior Farewell Tea in the spring. We also participate in charitable and community service activities when called upon to do so,” said Ms. Lovin.
Not only does Hi-Tri help teach high school girls how to be young ladies, but it also gives the girls scholarship opportunities.
“We sponsor two scholarships—the Hi-Tri League Scholarship and the Hi-Tri League Ashlee L. Bailey Memorial Scholarship. Graduating members of Hi-Tri who meet the qualifications may apply for these scholarships in the spring of their senior year,” said Ms. Lovin.
“I have been the Hi-Tri sponsor since the 1996-1997 school year and have helped plan all Sweetheart Dances during that time,” added Ms. Lovin.
The Sweetheart Dance is an annual event MV hosts for freshmen through seniors where the girl asks the boy to the dance, unlike the traditional tradition where the boy asks the girl.
“This is my first year of Hi-Tri sweetheart dances,” added Hi- Tri Co- advisor Mrs. Anderson.
The Sweetheart Dance is typically held near Valentine’s Day.
“The process starts with us getting together and throwing out ideas. A lot of our meetings end in a vote to decide on themes, decorations, music, etc. We then choose the class songs. We tend to ask our non-Hi-Tri peers about this before we decide. We are currently working on decorations and food to buy for sweetheart,” stated Hi-Tri member Allana Osborne, ‘24.
“Other than the theme and decorations, there are no plans to change anything about the dance,” said Ms. Lovin.
Sweetheart is approaching and Hi-Tri is in desperate need of sponsors and chaperones.
“I am working on trying to get more sponsors! We haven’t had very many sponsors in the past few years and that can make the tickets expensive! I’d like the tickets to be cheaper so more people have the opportunity to attend. The dances could be so fun if everyone had their friends in attendance!” said Osborne.
