Seniors’ and Juniors’ banquet happens every year. It’s one event that both classes look forward to – that was before the pandemic happened. The pandemic caused a pause to the banquet for the seniors and juniors of the school year 2020-2021. In spite of the raging COVID19 infections for the past two years, the juniors and seniors continued to raise funds for their formal dinner party.

Below is a senior, who had the chance to enjoy the banquet experience before the pandemic hit. Her experience can give us a rush of excitement for the unpredictable outcomes of the future banquet plans.

The junior and senior banquet of 2019 is one of the most memorable occasions I have of AIMS. I have experienced both sides of the banquet —from being one of those who helped in organizing the event, to being one of those who joined in the fun as a senior the following year.

As Juniors, we raised money for us to host the event. We sold Italian soda drinks, and toasted bread with butter. The preparation was fun, because we got to spend time together as a class. Students, teachers, and staff at AIMS became our customers. When we reached our targeted budget, we stopped selling and started to plan for the actual event.

Our class agreed to make it a happy occasion for all seniors. We did our best to achieve that goal. We invited the teachers who taught both the juniors and the seniors. On the day of the gathering, we all had fun laughing together and we even shed some tears together. We were filled with sadness as we will be separated, but our hearts were also filled with joy and love for the juniors, our teachers, and for AIMS.

Finally, the time came when we became seniors. At that time, I had the chance to see how the junior class put so much effort to plan and prepare for the event. We also supported the junior class in their fundraising.

We truly enjoyed our time together with our batchmates, the juniors, and our teachers. Even if we were familiar with the activities and things that happen at a banquet, we still really enjoyed the moment. I cannot deny the fact that I cried when I talked with some of my teachers. After all, they’re a huge part of my success.

As the night went on, while everyone was having fun and reminiscing some memories, I finally understood why the seniors in the previous years cried while talking to the teachers. I was left with that thought, as the night came to an end. It was an eventful night, and that truly was one for the books and I will remember it for a long time. (aims)