Picture this —  a neon crowd in flashing lights, Christmas streamers bedazzling the Commons and speakers booming pop deep into everyone’s bones. Past the swarm of festive teens and at the center of it all was the robotics team manning the DJ booth. Walking into this bash, people were roped between crowds of dancing circles and students kicking back socializing with friends, making a success for the hosting club. The mixer proceeds went toward essentials needed to compete for the team. This sight was a reality for the Winter Mixer last year. 

On Dec. 9 the same dance took place, however with ghosts of last year’s mob replaced amidst a pit of 12 people.

Members of robotics share how they reacted to this unforeseen outcome. 

“It was a very poor turnout,” junior Garrett Fleenor said. “Last year, we probably had more than 100 people show up, so we were expecting even more this time around.”

Despite how many people showed up, robotics members did not let the attendance get them down. Instead, they lived in the moment and made the most of their evening. 

Robotics sponsor Scott Anderson expressed his pride in how the team positively went about the mixer.

“I was pleasantly surprised,” Anderson said. “The kids that showed up stuck around the whole time. If you packed those 12 kids together and took a video of them, you wouldn’t know it was just the 12 of them dancing. You would have thought that there was a room for people. They seemed to have a good time.”

To address funding, the team is getting creative to meet their budget through other outlets. Some proposals the members made were hosting events like a movie night, karaoke or home tournaments.

Each year, the team spends anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 on parts a game field, travel expenses and registration fees. To secure a better turnout for next year, they plan to adjust how they promote the mixer.

“We are going to improve our outreach, maybe through emails and more fliers,” Fleenor said. “Probably more announcements as well, and make sure we really bring in people that want to help and have fun.”

The Winter Mixer is one of two mixers that students of all grades can attend. It is similar to the ’80s Mixer that occurred in August, which drew in hundreds of students. Fleenor shares how participation brings the dance to life. He also encourages bringing a group of friends to join the party.

“I’d recommend showing up,” Fleenor said. “If you have things you have to do I understand but it is super fun and even more fun when a lot of people show up. You go with your friends and have a good time while supporting the club, so what is stopping you?”