When girls became part of the student body at Gonzaga Prep 50 years ago, social opportunities expanded quickly. Among them is one of the most time-honored traditions that endures today: the annual Father-Daughter Dance.
The 1976 yearbook described the inaugural event:
“On February 21, 1976, Ancilla sponsored the first annual Dad-Daughter Dance. It was held in the Gonzaga Prep Gym, and Disc-Jockey Scott McKay of KJRB was the emcee and Record player. A 50's dance contest held to the tune of "Rockin Robin" was won by Diane Connors and her Pop. Freshmen Theresa Mengert and her Pop were given the honor of King and Queen for the night. Ancilla moderator Claudia Nelson said, "I was really pleased with the outcome. All in all, it turned out very well."
For many families, the Father-Daughter Dance became more than a single evening on the calendar. It became a tradition that deepened bonds across generations.
One of the voices that captures the spirit of the Father-Daughter Dance comes from Kathleen (McKenna) Wilson `80, whose father, Jack McKenna `53, helped make the tradition meaningful across generations. Kathleen remembers how special those evenings were — not just as a school event, but as a treasured moment between a father and daughter.
“I loved the father-daughter dance at Prep,” she says. “I remember getting all dressed up to go out for a special night with my dad. He would complain about having to dance, but then we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves throughout the night. We would go out to dinner with a big group of friends — my friends and his friends from his days at Prep. I was very close to my dad, and I think part of that closeness over the years had a beautiful beginning at these dances.”
Her reflection illustrates the way traditions like the Father-Daughter Dance become lasting memories, shaping not only a night on the calendar but a lifelong connection between family and school community.
Though the attire—formal at the beginning—to themed dances by the 90s, the experience remains consistent, one of gratitude for daughters and dads to hang out.
"I remember feeling so lucky. I got to have my Dad all to myself,” says Monica (Steilen) Eugenio `85. “Going out to the Spokane Club for a fancy dinner. My Dad, the forever Gentleman!"
Says Hailey Schemmel `13, “It was always so special for me and my friends to spend intentional time with our dads, from enjoying dinner together, to getting them to dress up with us, to dancing the night away. I know they enjoyed it, too!”
Five decades of father-daughter memories have filled dance floors and photo albums alike. Scroll on to see the tradition through the years.
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FATHER-DAUGHTER DANCE THROUGH THE YEARS