On March 30, the American Literature class traveled back to the roaring twenties and attended a Great Gatsby themed party in the “Speakeasy” (also known as the Black Box). The week prior, each student had to choose an assigned character type to represent during the party through costume, actions, and dialogue. Among the party guests were elite athletes, flappers, actresses, musicians, and even a few undercover police officers.

The event began promptly at 2:45 pm as a variety of characters from sketchy bootleggers and gamblers to old and new money socialites flowed through the doors. For the first fifteen minutes, everyone socialized as their characters, spreading gossip and using twenties slang. There was sparkling cider and a delicious pretzel tray for everyone to snack on. At approximately 3 pm, Mrs. Cutalo taught the party guests how to dance The Charleston. 

“Being in character was my favorite because I walked into a room of different people,” said Olivia Van Orden, Class of 2024. “It was like meeting people for the second time.”

Overall, the current American Literature students had a “whoopee” time and enjoyed being able to put on their 1920’s facades in order to bring The Great Gatsby to life.