Teens Ring In New Year

By JENNA RHUDE

Moapa Valley Progress

Local youth dance the night away under a galaxy of colorful balloons just waiting to drop at midnight, at the annual New Year’s Dance held at the Logandale Stake Center. PHOTO BY JENNA RHUDE/Moapa Valley Progress.

The New Year came in with a bang as nearly 200 Moapa Valley youth gathered at the Logandale Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to ring in 2019. The dance event is put on every year by the Logandale Stake to give local youth an safe and fun activity on New Year’s Eve.

Teens were greeted at the door of the dance by members the Logandale Stake Youth Council, the youth leadership group who had helped plann the event.

It was undoubtedly the largest pajama party in the valley on New Year’s Eve this year. It featured great music and computerized lighting effects on the dance floor to set the atmosphere.

Prizes were awarded for a variety of categories. These categories included things like the most interesting pajamas worn, the best onsie, and the best couple. There were also awards for the best dancer and the most entertaining attendee.

Revelers Tien-ni “Olivia” Kuo, Ashlyn McClure, Kaitlee Rowley, Hannah and McKinley Shultheis all are having a great time at the New Year’s Dance event held for local teens at the Logandale Stake Center. PHOTO BY JENNA RHUDE/Moapa Valley Progress.

No one could say they went away hungry. Sheet cakes, donuts, juice, and hot cocoa kept the crowd filled up throughout the evening.

Most attendees had not given much thought about a New Years’ resolution or future plans; they were simply enjoying the company of those around them. However, some did have plans for some self improvement.

“I hope to improve my grades and commit to practicing my saxophone more,” said Trevor Nelson.
“I want to try and include everyone,” said Madi Fairchild. “I want to make sure people don’t feel left out.”
“I am really excited to play in the pep band at school next year,” said Caleb Dalley.
“I’m excited for graduation and to see my sisters come home from their missions,” said Allison Evans. “I can’t wait to see what my future holds and what my purpose in my life ahead is.”

Grace Rhude gives a piggy-back ride to Makayla Carson during the New Year’s Eve dance held last week. PHOTO BY JENNA RHUDE/Moapa Valley Progress.

A few shared some of their favorite highlights from the passing year.
“Going to Chicago to watch my sister compete was a definite highlight to my year,” said Shanlin Totten.
“I gained three new sisters in 2018,” said Alex Peay. “My two brothers were married and our exchange student came from Austria to spend the school year.”

The dance was organized by the Logandale Stake Youth Committee and their leaders. Daniel Pray ran the lighting and Elwin Brown was the disc jockey for the evening.

Hundreds of balloons hung in a net above the dancers throughout the night. At midnight when the balloons were released on the crowd kids had a good time excitedly popping most of them before they hit the floor.

The youth council members wish to express their gratitude for the leaders and parents who helped make the event a success.