The annual Courtwarming dance took place this semester. The long tradition of the dance began as a way to celebrate the school’s basketball season. Over time, it has become a major part of Rolla High School’s culture. It was held Feb. 25 in the RHS cafeteria. Over 500 students purchased tickets. Key Club worked diligently to ensure this event would be a fun experience for those who attended. But school dances, and the traditions that come with them, aren’t necessarily enjoyable for everyone.

One of these traditions is the nominating of dance court candidates. There is debate on whether this process is fair. Some students may argue that the same group of people are being nominated repeatedly. Madeline Castle, who won Courtwarming Queen this February, used to be one of those skeptics.

“For a long time I thought it was kind of unfair…I just always felt like the sporty, athletic kids kind of got nominated for everything,” Castle noted.

But, she also mentioned that she saw a greater variety of students, from all sides of the school, nominated for Courtwarming. While Prom candidates are voted on by seniors, Courtwarming candidates are selected by the members of Key Club.

“I like it, because I feel like the Courtwarming candidates are always different than the  [Homecoming and Prom candidates]. It’s not all the typical sporty kids. I feel like there’s a variation. There’s fine arts, there’s drama. It just gives a chance to have some different kids on the candidate list that I don’t usually see,” said Castle.

Christy Green is the advisor for Key Club, which threw the bash. She saw the same distinctions between the candidate lists that Castle observed.

“What I kind of find is unique is that we tend to have a different group of candidates for Courtwarming than we have for Homecoming or Prom,” said Green. “I think we’ve had great groups over the last, you know, many, many years. Great groups of kids that have represented the school well.”

For junior Megan Gorman, a varied representation on the court is important. She considers many factors when deciding who would make the best representatives. 

“I would say choosing more people that are more involved, and not just involved in sports, and more involved in clubs and drama,” Gorman elaborated when asked what she would look for in future candidates.

The recently elected Courtwarming Queen, also, takes many things into account when considering who she would like to vote for.

“I always put the way they impact me. Are they kind? Are they friendly?…Just if you’re friendly and kind to everyone, not just people that you’re friends with, not just people who look or talk a certain way, I automatically have more respect for you,” said Castle.