By Danielle Sidi ’14 and Thomas Pan ’14, Staff Writers

With an end score of 55-49, Newark Academy’s win over Montclair Kimberly Academy led to spirit on the dance floor. The night of February 24, 2012 began with three basketball games: the girls’ game against Kent Place, followed by the boys’ JV andvarsity games against MKA. School Council President Shane Neibart ’12 said the Council specifically chose the night of the three basketball games to host the Blacklight Dance to boost enthusiasm and attendance. The student council, after having their first

experience with the event last year was prepared to make this Blacklight dance even better. Hannah Zack ’14 said, “Now that we know what works, we’re really going all out.” Shane Neibart ’12 specified there would be more blacklights on the ceilings, glow in the dark entrance bracelets, highlighters, glow in the dark bubbles, and more.

The five-dollar entrance fee of the dance was an easy exchange for a fantastic time. Shane Neibart said the evening was a “fun-raiser, not a fundraiser.” Although fundraising was prolific, there were mixed reviews from attendees. Francis Lai ‘13 said about the dance, “I thought it was good…[especially] The DJ.” Ethan Savel ‘14 said, “I think it

went really well because everyone was so hyped up from the basketball game…kids came in with so much energy and really enjoyed themselves. The decorations, DJ, and the atmosphere all culminated in putting a terrific end to a great night.” However, Emma Coffey ‘14 said, “last year was more fun. The DJ was average.” There was also some controversy about the timing of the event. The varsity game ended at 9 pm, while the dance started at 8 pm, making the dance meagerly attended during the first hour and driving the attention of some student council members away from the intense games simultaniously occurring in the Kirby gym.

Hannah Zack ’14 compared the fun-filled evening to that of the first under the lights Football game for the Minutemen, against Hudson Catholic this past fall. “[MKA is] our biggest rival and its a home game,” she said, “I think everyone gets really pumped up for the competition, and people are more likely to come. There should be [and was] maximum attendance for everything.” The Athletic Department did their part too – Mr. Manigan  provided the first 100 students in attendance at the Basketball games  white t-shirts saying, “Conquer the Cougars.”

MKA was a tough opponent for NA. The Minutemen trailed about 6 points throughout the whole game. However, in the middle of the 4th quarter, they took the lead and held it for the rest of the game. At the buzzer, the whole NA section of the bleachers rushed onto the court, which some faculty and alumni regarded as “priceless.”