Soon-to-be college graduates will attend their Commencement Ball to be recognized for their achievements throughout their four years at Chaminade University.

The annual Commencement Ball, themed Once Upon a Time, will be happening this Friday, April 24 from 6 p.m to 11 p.m  at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort. With the spring semester coming to an end, every year Chaminade throws a semi-formal ball in honor of the graduating seniors. All though this ball is meant for seniors, all students are allowed to attend. Graduating seniors are allowed to attend the ball for free because they will be celebrated during the night, but returning undergraduates must pay $15 per person and $25 for a couple to be present at this event.

Chaminade’s Student Programming Board is planning this event for the students and have been working hard all semester. From choosing a venue to picking center pieces, it has been a busy semester.

“I am excited to see everyone come all dressed up and look classy,” said Carlos Cortes, junior and vice president of the Chaminade Student Programming Board. “I am looking forward to honoring the graduating seniors and all of their accomplishments.”

The reason for Commencement Ball is to celebrate the seniors before they walk across the stage and receive their diplomas. This is an annual event that is planned throughout these past few months.

Cortes has been working with the members of the programming board. Cortes and his board meet once a week to plan, implement, and coordinate programs and events for the entire student body during the school year. The main event that is planned by the board is Commencement Ball, which is why a great deal of effort goes into planning this night for the seniors.

“It will be fun to see all of our hard work come together that we have been planning since January,” said Ashley Yadao, senior and member of the programming board. “I have attended the ball every year, but since I am a senior I will definitely be enjoying this night. It will be a night to remember.”

The programming board has hired a photo booth for students to use throughout the night. The photo booth will include props as well as unlimited pictures for the students to take advantage of when they are not on the dance floor.

At Commencement Ball, students will arrive either by the transportation that is provided or on their own to the Hyatt Regency at 6 p.m. and will sit at tables where they will be served dinner. During the dinner, a student, faculty member, staff member, and a club will be awarded by students who voted when purchasing their tickets. At last year’s commencement ball, Kaipo Leopoldino won the award for Outstanding Student Leader Award as well as Chaminade’s Campus Ministry, Brother Mark Motz, who won the award for Outstanding Staff Award.

After the awards are given out and dinner is finished, the music will start playing and all the students will take the dance floor.