OAK HILL ACADEMY PARENTS ORGANIZATION O
STORY Susan Murphy
ak Hill Academy celebrated its thirty-first year with a “Night On Bourbon Street,” a Mardi Gras celebration presented by the Oak Hill Academy Parents Organization (OHAPO) on March 10 at Robert B. Meyner Reception Center in Holmdel. Chairs Tracy Shallcross and Dawn Zolek decided to make this year’s school gala into an unforgettable event. Mrs. Zolek explained, “Our thought was to take the annual school gala and completely transform it into a true ‘Night on Bourbon Street’ for our guests, the parents of the students in our school.” They certainly did just that! The look and feel of New Orleans was recreated in the décor through the use of beautiful centerpieces, signage, street lamps, lighting, colorful beads and masks. Even the taste was recreated with Hurricane drinks and New Orleans beer! Another authentic touch was the use of a live model in a Mardi Grass dress who was the “cocktail table” or “Strolling Table.” She strolled the entry area as a trio from the Eryn Shewell Band entertained guests. The trio later joined several other band members, all of whom had just returned from Mardi Gras in New Orleans, and played for guests throughout the evening. Mrs. Zolek and Mrs. Shallcross acknowledged the dedication and hard work of the Committee members Jen VanBerkel, Kim Clemente, Lisa Wicks, Tara Lucosky, Carrie-Lynn Whitman, Kristine Kayser-Bermudez, Casey Burdge, Lisa Moskowitz, and Patrick Scire. OHAPO President Heather Forsyth, Treasurer Corey Small, and Secretary Joan Orlick also assisted in making “Night On Bourbon Street” a success. Planning for this event began last spring, and with the combined efforts of the Chairs, Committee, OHAPO Executive Board, and the generosity of donations by numerous Underwriters, this event was an enormous success.
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Community Magazine
HELD MARDI GRAS THEMED ANNUAL DINNER DANCE