Students who struggle to support themselves financially may have to choose between paying for gas and necessities or attending Snowfest. For this reason, the prices for dances and after-school activities should be lowered.
Snowfest is a dance hosted by Math Teacher Valerie Alexander. It took place on February 8, 2025, from 8 to 10 p.m. Students paid $5 to attend; optional food and drink costs $1.
While attendance costs are relatively low, students could benefit from free admission. The cost of accessories, clothing, hair care, and even transportation, especially with inflation, adds up quickly.
By definition, inflation is a general increase in the prices of goods and services in an economy. It most impacts student drivers and parents.
Student drivers are most affected because they have to pay for gas to get to and from school and try to afford school events if they choose to attend.
Inflation also affects the parents of students who do not drive or own cars. For example, they must balance paying for their children’s wants (in this case, Snowfest) and necessities while paying for essentials such as gas, food, and bills.
Also, according to maroonandgray.nutleyschools.org, the average cost of attending a dance like Snowfest can range from only $150 to over $2,000.
Students or parents who cannot afford this feel alienated, and students feel as if they are missing out on their high school experience. Therefore, the $5 entry fee should either be lowered or eliminated. That way, students who can not afford it have a better chance of attending and enjoying their time with peers.
However, the impact of these prices varies depending on financial status.
For example, Sophomore Kaydenz Avery states that the prices have not affected her, nor should they be lowered or a discount formed for students who do well academically. She believes the prices are reasonable, and those who can not afford them should be aware of faculty who can help.
“I do not believe that students who do well academically should get a discount because kids who do not do well academically will feel left out,” said Avery.
However, those whose parents can not afford to give them extra money will feel left out, especially if they feel uneasy talking to faculty about their financial barriers.
Sophomore Cora McClurg has contrasting opinions about the issue.
Though the prices have not directly affected her, she believes they must be lowered because some students can not afford the items associated with Snowfest.
“Taking student’s money for overpriced tickets just so they can enjoy their teen years affects their perspective on life, as they believe that money is the pathway to their success,” said McClurg.
Faculty is crucial in lowering the prices. Events like musicals, dances, and athletic games cost money to attend. The money raised from these athletic events goes into the athletic department’s budget, which is used to keep the weight room safe and up to date and provide transportation for competing students.
Varsity Football Coach Stafford Newsome believes that students who do well academically should be able to get in free to cheer and support their peers.
“We would have more kids attending events, and we all know the people participating would thrive off of that,” said Newsome.
Lowering prices for dances and other school events can break down financial barriers and give students equal opportunities to learn, grow, and have fun.
