Stoneham School Committee Forms Subcommittee to Revive Stoneham Carnival Ball

STONEHAM – The School Committee is pleased to announce a Stoneham Carnival Ball Committee has been formed to revive the long-standing community tradition, and asks interested residents to participate.

The Carnival Ball dates to 1929, with origins as a weeklong Winter Carnival of competitions capped with a formal dance. Carnival Balls have evolved into a showcase with students displaying their talents in music, dance, and the arts. Traditions that have endured include the Royal Court, class performances and skits, and a closing “Seniors Waltz.”

COVID-19 interrupted the event, with a virtual Ball in 2021 and a limited event in 2022.

“The Ball is such a tradition. It’s a way to increase community involvement, and showcases our students to those outside the schools,” said Chair David Maurer, who moved to have the Carnival Ball Committee be an official School Committee subcommittee. “Stoneham has a unique culture, and this is a tradition we don’t want to lose.”

The new Carnival Ball Committee is charged with organizing, supporting, and running the event. All community members are encouraged to participate, especially students and Stoneham High School alumni. The goal is to develop a core of interested community members who will bring new energy and perspective. The Committee will plan toward an event in March 2024.

“This year’s graduating class is the last one to have had a traditional Ball,” said Committee Member Jaime Wallace, who is a Stoneham High graduate. “We did a survey of students in Grades 8-12 and it was overwhelming to bring back the Ball, the Royal Court, and all the performances. Graduates remember the Ball, whether they left five years ago or 50 years ago. Our question is: How do we make it bigger and better?”

One Committee goal will be to honor the dedication of school employee and coach Jimmy Carino, known as “Mr. Stoneham,” who organized the event for 30 years. Carino died in February 2022.

The Stoneham Carnival Ball Committee will begin meeting in April. Those interested in participating on the Committee or assisting with the Ball are asked to contact Ruth Cronin at ruth.cronin@stonehamschools.org.