(May 24, 2013) — Surrounded by silver and lavender decorations, Luisa Hagopian spent her Winter Wonderland-themed sweet sixteen with about 40 friends. Her best friend, Anahit Keshishian, threw a surprise sweet sixteen party for her at Hagopian’s house.

Hagopian was told she was being taken out to dinner for her birthday but when she went back home to get her camera — surprise! “I was very happy because my friends were all there and I didn’t think they could pull it off, especially since I find out everything,” Hagopian said.

Unfortunately, the police arrived at around ten in the evening, but that didn’t stop them from having a good time. Hagopian spent the rest of her night with a few friends just listening to music at a lower volume.

One of the difficulties Keshishian faced while organizing the party was limiting the number of guests; however, she believes she made the right choice while choosing because new friendships were created that night. “That party made everyone close because there were all different types of people and a lot of people met each other there,” Hagopian said.

Keshishian’s sweet sixteen was a little different compared to Hagopian’s. Keshishian had an Arabic themed party with Arabic belly dancing skirts as party favors. The colors that she used were hot pink and blue. Keshishian’s party, like Hagopian’s, was filled with great food and a great DJ. However, unlike Hagopian’s party, the police didn’t arrive at Keshishian’s house, allowing them to keep the music at their desired volume.

Even though senior Anna Baburyan’s sweet sixteen wasn’t a surprise party, the event wasn’t anything less than fun. Her sweet sixteen was one of her favorite parties, which she planned for about four months. It was the first big party she had had, and it made her feel more mature in a way.

Baburyan had her party in the recreation room of her apartment with around 30 of her closest friends with the purple decorations that complemented her gold dress and, not to mention, a candy station. She also decorated her own cake table and made the centerpieces.

The police’s arrival at midnight didn’t ruin the mood. After the police arrived and asked for a cupcake, everyone danced until 4 a.m. “Most parties end early so the fact that we danced all night made it really special,” Baburyan said.