The Year 12 Mass and Valedictory Dinner

As limousines began pulling up outside and Mr Breen checked the seating plan for the eight-hundredth time, Lincoln of Toorak came alive. Waiters wandered through the growing crowd holding trays of expensive-looking fruit daiquiris and funny little hors d’oeuvres. Cameras flashed and people laughed. Jewellery sparkled and strategically placed bits of double-sided tape secured dresses to their owners. The Year 12 Formal was underway. In true De La fashion, the dining room was a sea of blue and gold decorations, each table boasting an impressive centrepiece. Those eager to get into the swing of things hit the dance floor early, only resting long enough to wolf down a soup entrée and say a few hellos. The sleeves of freshly ironed shirts were pulled up above elbows, handbags and cameras were put to one side and ties were loosened as people settled in for the evening. The end of the main course was punctuated with an impromptu speech by De La Vice-Captain Adrian Bonaddio, who spoke about what it means to be a Lasallian. ‘M.C.’ Rob Breda shone during the awards as medals were presented to, among others, the Best Couple and Best Dressed. The smell of aftershave filled the air as 160 guys did their best John Travolta impersonations to the tune of Greased Lightnin’ to impress the girls. Even a few staff

members were seen reliving their youth, busting out to Footloose and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. Youthful enthusiasm soon gave way to sore feet and, after a few incoherent renditions of “St John Baptist”, the time came to call it a night. People said their hurried goodbyes, piled into waiting taxis and sped away into the night with their cameras full of photos, their shoes full of blisters and their minds full of memories. Dan Giovannoni The Year 12 Formal