After nearly a decade without a campus dance, Everett Community College revived the tradition on Friday, Feb. 20, as students gathered in the Jackson Conference Center from 8-10 p.m. for specialized pastries, crafted sodas and a chance to dance the night away in mystery during “A Night in Paris: A Moonlit Masquerade.”
Designed to foster connection and unity at EvCC, the evening blended music and themed decor with community building, highlighting a collaborative effort between the Trojan Activities Board, Student Life, and other school-affiliated programs. Together, organizers worked to create what the French call “une soirée amusante” — a lively night full of fun and new relationships.
Planning began roughly three months in advance, with organizers dividing the responsibilities into four sections: decor, dance floor, photo booth, and food and beverages. According to Trojan Community Board Coordinator Arnav Pillay, the inspiration for the idea originated from a student survey posted during “Fall Kick-Off.”
A strong interest in a college dance, something the school hadn’t done since pre-pandemic, was present in the results. “I think our last dance was in 2017,” Pillay said. “That was pre-COVID, so we were pretty hesitant about the turnout and everything.” He added how his partner, Val Gomez Robertson, pushed through that hesitancy and pursued the event.
Robertson expressed her passion for this event, which is rooted in creating a space where Running Start students like herself and the greater EvCC community have the opportunity for meaningful experiences. “I think the idea of bringing a prom to people who may not have friends in their high school is something that we really should do, and it’s amazing,” she said.
As the primary leader and decor organizer, Robertson said that the event was aimed at creating an inclusive experience for the entire student body, particularly those who may not have had opportunities to attend dances in the past. She credited collaboration across student leaders, ambassadors and volunteers for the event’s execution. “I’m just really proud of Student LIFE, and I’m happy that everyone can come and enjoy,” she said.
The JCC was arranged into two primary spaces. The first, a dance room with a DJ, ballroom floor, twinkling fairy lights draped against the windows and a Parisian skyline plastered on the wall. The other room offered lounge area seating, refreshments and treats. Colored lighting, balloon arches, and themed tables featuring candles, vintage newspapers and vases filled with feathers and pearls accented the interior of the JCC. At check-in, attendees were greeted with wristbands and complementary masquerade masks and glow stick wands.
The visionary behind food and beverage for this event was Activities Board Coordinator Ethan Coleman. Coleman primarily handled budgeting and sourcing, while also prioritizing the theme. Offerings included handcrafted and canned sodas, sparkling cider and Tipiac brand macrons from Costco. A selection of cannolis from Kelly Cannoli, a bakery in Snohomish, was also provided, with all delicacies having gluten-free options. “How do we want to make people have a night that can be enjoyable and that they can be talking about for weeks from now?” he said, noting that interactive drink stations were intended to encourage engagement.
Students in attendance expressed appreciation for the attention to detail and consideration for guests. One participant, Marisa, said she “really appreciates how there are gluten-free snacks,” along with other accommodations for a wider range of students.
Organizers described the turnout and participation as strong indicators that large-scale, student-led programming can play a meaningful role in building campus community. Careful planning, shared leadership and broad student input for “A Night in Paris” demonstrated how collaborative efforts can translate into a well-executed and widely attended campus event.
*Corrected spelling of Arvav Pillay to Arnav Pillay in third paragraph on May 15, 2026
