A creative idea from junior Italy Erickson turned into a glowing success on Saturday, April 26, as high school students from across the area came together for a neon-themed dance unlike any other.
Although the event wasn’t affiliated with SVHS, parents from around the community embraced the idea and helped bring it to life.
Held from 9 to 11 p.m. at the Afton Fairgrounds, the dance welcomed any high school student, regardless of which school they attended. Admission was just $5, making the event both affordable and accessible. Once inside, students were met with flashing neon lights, energetic music, and a packed dance floor full of excitement.
The vision for the night came from Tomi Erickson, Italy’s mom, who wanted to create a space where teens could enjoy themselves freely — without the usual restrictions of a school-sponsored event. To ensure a safe and positive environment, Tomi organized a team of volunteer parents to help chaperone.
“There isn’t always a lot for teens to do, so giving them the opportunity to attend something like this was great,” Tomi said. “This isn’t a new concept to SVHS — kids have loved getting together for generations. I love that they’re bringing it back and giving it new life! I hope they keep it going, enjoy their youth, and make memories to last a lifetime.”
Attendees came dressed head to toe in glowing neon outfits, complete with glowsticks, face paint, and even custom T-shirts decorated with neon paint. The blacklights enhanced the bright colors and added to the electric atmosphere.
A local DJ kept the energy high, spinning hit after hit and keeping the dance floor packed. Laughter, dancing, and smiles filled the venue as students enjoyed a rare, fun-filled Saturday night.
“The neon dance was definitely a highlight for all of us SVHS students,” said Arie Kilroy. “It gave us something really fun to do on a Saturday night, and the music was seriously the best — it made the whole night even more fun and unforgettable.”
Thanks to the dance’s success, organizers are already planning similar events in the future. An Instagram page is in the works to help students stay informed, share photos, suggest music, and spread the word.
