From the roar of engines to the crash of waves, last Friday’s “Ride or Tide” Sadie Hawkins dance proved that Cal High
students know how to make a splash. While Homecoming and Prom are often seen as the more traditional milestones, the Men’s League Board (MLB) and Girl’s League Board (GLB) proved that a high school gym can be just as electric as any fancy venue—if not more so—when the theme is right and the energy is high.
While “Ride or Tide” provided the modern flair, the foundation of the night rests on a tradition dating back to 1937. Named after a character in Al Capp’s popular Li’l Abner comic strip, Sadie Hawkins Day was a fictional event where the town’s women took control of their romantic fates. What started as a satirical comic plot quickly leaped off the page and into American schools, flipping the script on mid-century social norms. Sophomore Maya Dhaliwal shared, “I loved being the one to be creative and give the poster to my boyfriend. Although I was still a bit nervous because of people looking, I would 100% do it again.” Decades later, that role-reversal remains the heart of the event, giving girls the lead in everything from the initial “proposal” to the final dance of the night.
As students walked through the doors, they were met with a visual tug-of-war between the open road and the deep blue. “I really liked the theme; the decorations looked good, and everyone was able to dress up,” commented GLB member Hadley Carrillo. On one side, leather jackets and combat boots dominated the dance floor; on the other, Hawaiian prints and flower leis brought a tropical warmth to the March evening.
However, the real bridge between these two worlds wasn’t the
music, but the wildlife. The crowd stayed thick around a surprise animal exhibit where students traded their “tough” biker personas or “chill” surfer vibes for a chance to meet everything from soft chinchillas and ferrets to a daringly centerpiece tarantula and snake. “I really liked the animals there and petting them,” said Junior Matthew Ramos.
Beyond the exotic animals, the heart of the night was found under the glow of the gym lights. As the DJ transitioned from Latin classics to the latest pop music, the distinction between bikers and surfers blurred into a sea of high-energy dancing. However, the tide slowed as everyone gathered to watch “The Lawnchairs” take the stage.
The band’s most popular set-piece was their cover of “Should I Stay or Should I Go” by The Clash. Maya, a proud fan, added: “The Lawnchairs were so amazing! It was so cool to be in the crowd and watch them up close.” The crowd was so dense that some students headed to the second-floor balcony just to see over the “hypnotized” fans below. Lead singer and Cal High senior Joaquin Vega reflected on the set: “It was actually really awesome. I remember last year being really fun, but this year felt like there was so much more hype. Everybody was singing along and moving—it was really funny, too, to see moshing when we were playing the intro.”
Live music never disappoints, especially when the band members are your own classmates. As the band played their final notes, the lights shifted back to the DJ as he reopened with the soulful “Tennessee Whiskey.” Freshman Bryant Garcia noted, “It was a fun night—good activities, good songs for dancers, good food, and good drinks.” A few more calm songs played, but then the rush came right back. Students crowd-surfed, cheered, and danced with abandon. “It went from the chill vibe to loud, crazy Hip-Hop,” Matthew added.
“I think the number of people participating and having fun made it a memorable experience. Everybody was happy and having a good time together, and I think it created a sense of community,” concluded Hadley.
For many, “Ride or Tide” was more than just a Friday night out; it was a chance to decompress and celebrate the midpoint of the spring semester. In a school year often defined by grades and sports schedules, the dance offered a rare moment of pure, themed escapism. As the final songs played and the decorations were packed away, the success of the night was undeniable. Through the hard work of the MLB and GLB, Cal High didn’t just host a dance—they created a crossroads where tradition met modern creativity. Whether students chose the road or the ocean, they all left with a “shore-fire” memory of one of the year’s best nights. Now, the only question left for the student body is how the boards will possibly top this next year.
