Midwinter Ball

February 26-27, 2011
(Please note the new date as it was previously listed for March 5-6.)

Midwinter Ball is a St. John's Northwestern Military Academy tradition that dates back to the turn of the 20th Century. For thousands of past Midwinter Ball participants, the weekend is remembered as one of the highlights of their high school experience.

This year's festivities are set for February 26 and 27, 2011. The entire event revolves around a formal military ball that is held on a Saturday evening, which is designed to acquaint members of the upper classmen (grades 9-12) with the etiquette of a formal social event. Just a few of the ceremonial activities that occur during the Ball are the posting of the national colors, experiencing a formal receiving line, participating in a grand processional with an "arch of steel," and, for the cadet leadership, the presenting of honorary military rank to their dates.

Social events for cadets and their dates are held prior to Midwinter Ball.

 
Midwinter Ball 2010

Registration
The cadet must register with the Director of Cadet Planning and Programs, and complete a registration form with the name, address, phone number and e-mail address of his date. After the sign-up has ended, his date will receive a formal invitation that includes the necessary information for the weekend (what she can expect and what is expected of her, what to wear, program, location maps, and her RSVP with any rooming request). It is expected that all attending ladies will stay in accommodations arranged by the Academy for reasons of accountability. The hotel is chaperoned around the clock by our experienced female faculty and staff.

If parents would like to help their daughters get ready, please arrive at the hotel by 2:30 p.m. on February 26. The Academy is unable to accommodate any request to leave the hotel for a hair appointment.

Sign Up
Sign up for Midwinter Ball begins after Thanksgiving Break and ends February 7, 2011. There is an early sign up incentive, though, that ends before Christmas break. Cadets who sign up before the Boar's Head Banquet are entered into a drawing, with free attendance to Midwinter Ball as the grand prize!

Parent Participation
Parents cannot actually participate in the weekend's activities, but they are welcome to observe the evening Midwinter Ball with the Grand March and the Arch of Steel. Midwinter Ball is held in Farrand Hall Gymnasium on the SJNMA campus and begins at 7:00 p.m. on Febuary 27. There will be a professional photographer taking pictures, but parents are encouraged to take pictures as well. Appropriate attire for parents is dresses for the ladies and dark suits for the men. We are always looking for adult female volunteers to help chaperone at the hotel. Please contact the Director of Cadet Planning and Programs with any questions or to volunteer.

Thank you, and remember to sign up early!

Contact
Jill Schroeder
Director of Cadet Planning and Programs
(262) 646-7102
jschroeder@sjnma.org