Story and Photos by Alex Del Cueto
Starting in 2023, the Purchase Literature Society hosted their first-ever Lit Society Gala. For their second annual gala, they partnered with Gem 67 Magazine to make the event even grander than the last. This year's gala theme was Fairy Court.
On the night of Nov. 22, attendees were able to step into a world of a fantasy novel, surrounded by the art of the Neuberger Museum, and everyone could embrace the magic of fairies and other mythical creatures. People were encouraged to dress in theme and immerse themselves into the fantasy world.
“We took inspiration from old fairy tales, like Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty,” said the President of Lit Society, Carly Brennan. “Also 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' as a more modern inspiration.”
There were many events that occurred throughout the night including bracelet making, dancing, performances by students from the on-campus show choir, Crescendo, and the highlight of the night, a costume contest with prizes from both Lit Society and Gem 67.
Lit Society prizes for first place were a fairy coloring book and a do-it-yourself book nook kit. Gem 67’s President, Elizabeth “Liz” Baldino, offered a free photoshoot for whoever won first place, with whatever theme they wanted.
The winner of the event was Alvarez Pickett who came dressed as a dragon tamer Pickett decided that he didn’t want to do a solo photoshoot and decided to use the prize from Gem 67 to do a series of headshots for him and his fellow show choir members.
“When I came up with the idea for the prize, I was hoping to do something strange or weird with it,” said Baldino. “But this was definitely different from what I was expecting to do.”
Lit Gala is the first of many major club events planned for the 2024-25 school year.
“All of our events are normally pretty chill, but the gala is our biggest,” said Natalie Cragle, the Lit Society secretary. “Look out for the 'Night of Many Tongues,' it’s more chill but just as much fun.”
Event attendees made bracelets at the beginning of the gala.
Mariyah “Marvey” Harvey, a Gem 67 intern and the event photographer, in her fairy court outfit.
Several students danced in the center of the dance floor.
Nyx Jones and Leo Rowe danced together.
Josie Mckee twirled around the dance floor.
Rachel Skennion performed “Soldier, Poet, King” by The Oh Hellos.
Carly Brennan singing “Sailor Song” by Gigi Perez.
Alvarez Pickett closed the live performances with “No Longer You” from “Epic.”
The crowd of attendees watched the performances.
Attendees began to line up to be judged for the costume contest.
Ari Lynch (left) being judged by Brennan, Liz Baldino and Anjali Jimenez.
Ari Lynch costumed for the Lit Gala's contest.
Natalie Cragle, twirled and showed off her outfit as the costume contest went on.
All costume contestants posed for a group photo.
The boards of both Lit Society and Gem 67 making a final decision on the costume contest winner.
Alvarez Pickett posing with his prizes from winning first place in the costume contest.
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