Over the past four years the sophomore class has celebrated the end of the school year in the buildings and gardens of the Elm Bank Horticulture Center.  This year’s sophomore class officers face difficulty in maintaining the tradition, though.

The officers of the Class of 2019 are currently negotiating with Elm Bank to find a better price point for the event this year.  Elm Bank, run by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, has increased its price for renting the event space.

Despite the rumors, the Class of 2019 has sufficient funds.  Chris Bonis ’19, treasurer of the sophomore class, explained the reason for negotiations for a better price point for them.  

We have a perfectly reasonable sum in our treasury; more, in fact, than the [sophomores] did last year,” Bonis said.  “So we’re doing quite well.”  Bonis could not disclose the exact amount currently in the treasury.

As of right now, the sophomore class has a reserved date with Elm Bank to use the space.  Matt McKenna ’19, sophomore class president, also did not express concern over funding the event.

“Honestly, our financial situation is not the end all, be all, deciding factor of how good of a job we’re doing, but we’re in a great spot right now,” he said.  “We can run any type of event, and we feel like we have freedom.”

McKenna has not had difficulty discussing a deal with those at Elm Bank.  “There’s no real difficulties [in negotiations]; it’s all pretty relaxed,” McKenna said.  “Just working towards a good price for us.  They have been cooperative.  They’re very nice people.”  McKenna, too, did not disclose any specific amounts of money from the negotiations.  

At one point, the class officers decided to explore other options after first seeing the new price at Elm Bank.  “We talked to Wellesley Country Club, but their room only counted for around 200 to 250 [people], and we don’t want to limit the amount of people who can come to 250 kids,” McKenna said.  “That [venue] was not going to work for us.”

They briefly talked with Wellesley College on available spaces, but size and their price point did not accommodate their needs.

Bonis attributes their financial success to last year’s fundraisers, as the bake sales brought in about $300 and the dance brought in about $2,000.  

The class officers have specific plans in mind for fundraising this year in order to maintain a strong treasury and fund an end-of-the year event.

Fundraisers this year will be important for us,” McKenna said.  “We’re looking at another bake sale.  It was really successful for us last year.  [Our events] should bring in hopefully the most money.”  

Bonis has the same plan in mind.  “This year, we’re working on fundraising a bit more,” he said.  “I have done some research on fundraising events that have worked in high schools before, and I found a list of about fifty that seem to be effective.”

The officers will discuss their plans for events and fundraisers within the next week.  According to Bonis, they are looking to raise at least $1,000 this year.

Whichever way the negotiations with Elm Bank turn in the next few weeks, McKenna vows to prioritize the Class of 2019. “We’d love any suggestions from the class and we want what the class wants,” he said.  “What the class wants is extremely important for us.”

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