Formal Dinner is a long-standing tradition at Northwood School. At one point in time, students wore a coat and tie to every class and meal, so every dinner at Northwood required formal attire. Now, once each month students and faculty at Northwood School meet in the dining hall in formal attire to enjoy an elegant meal cooked by Executive Chef Adam Fischer and his miraculous team.
It is an event that most students find fun and look forward to. “I think there’s a comedic duality to it, in the sense that it’s fun and funny,” Noah Moodey ‘25 said. The students get assigned seating at each dinner. The seating arrangement differs whether it is advisory groups, open seating, or completely random. Mountain Day was on September 27, so for the recent formal on the 26th, the assigned seating was by Mountain Day hiking groups, allowing students and faculty to get to know each other before the climb.
Students gather in their formal attire and take photos at the famous fireplace in the living room. Students also like to take photos outside when the weather is nice. “I love being a part of formal dinners. The food is great,” Jace Donawa ‘25 said.
Formal dinners often follow with an event of some sort, including a dance or a performance of some kind. Students enjoy these events because they get to meet new people and practice socializing with people they would not normally speak to.
“I am looking forward to seeing all the guys and girls dressed up and looking good and smart. I am looking forward to experiencing this prestigious tradition for the first time,” Said El Eyssami ‘26 said before his first formal.
Formal dinner is a great way for the school to get together and enjoy each other’s company.