The John Cooper School hosts out-of-this-world Moondust and Meteors Gala

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Gowns, tuxedos and astronauts were spotted March 2 at the Moondust and Meteors Gala at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. This formal affair, sponsored by The John Cooper School, was out of this world.

From the entertainment and music to the food and decor, the space theme was executed beautifully throughout the evening. The gala began with a cocktail reception and the Big Board Mobile Bidding Auction. This auction included many luxurious trips and events but also items such as a middle school lock-in for 10 students. The bidding, done right from your cell phone, ended at 8 p.m.

Tony Valderrama is a John Cooper graduate of the class of 2007. Now almost 12 years after graduation, he returned as a participant in the event. Valderrama didn’t expect to be returning in this capacity. He said, “It’s just delightful, especially to see some of my instructors again, and, you know, just continue to be part of the community and give back.”

Previously working for NASA, Valderrama showcased some technology he had a share in creating. Attendees donned headgear to try out the augmented reality experience, which engineers at NASA use for building spacecraft. Valderrama said, “We take the very complicated designs for the spacecraft that they’re building and help them look at it life-size in the environment … and start to solve some of the complex issues that they don’t want to run into halfway through construction.” The Clarvoyant Instant Holographic Prototyping exhibit gave those willing a first-hand experience with this technology.

Elizabeth de Monico, head of the dance program at John Cooper, watched with pride as her students performed the featured entertainment for the evening. The French circus-style performance captivated all in the crowd that evening and blended with the space-themed atmosphere. Aerial silks and Lyra hoop are some of many dance styles taught at the school.

Guests entered the gorgeous dinner and ballroom area for a gourmet meal served at 8:30 p.m. Servers delivered plates filled with items, pleasing both the eyes and the palate. Even a food critic would have stamped their approval on the meal. Vegetarian options were available if desired. While dinner was underway, the live auction began.

Witnessing a live auction is quite entertaining, especially with a lively auctioneer. This event was no exception. Guests of the evening could choose to bid on a wide array of items. A dove hunt in Argentina or Uruguay kicked off the bidding. Some thought the highest bid of the evening would go for the Moondust, Meteors and Northern Lights trip to Norway. This excursion included a Husky Safari with dogsledding, a guided tour into the Norwegian wilderness for a chance to view the Northern Lights, a seaside drive to the Sami camp and reindeer corral, a fireworks cruise for the New Year and more. Although the winner of this auction paid a pretty penny, it was not the most sought after item of the evening.

Astro, a three-month-old Chocolate Havanese puppy, piqued much interest as he mingled among all in attendance during the cocktail reception. Then the battle to bring Astro home began. The lucky puppy went for a price of $18,000! He will be a cherished member of his new family.

At the conclusion of the auction and after a touching video starring students of the school, the disc jockey stirred the masses to their feet. Music and dancing on the pristine dance floor under “the stars” was the grand finale to the evening.

Mike Maher, head of John Cooper School, looks forward to the gala held every other year, though his favorite event of the year is graduation. Speaking about preparation for the fundraiser, Maher said, “We have four or five members of our staff that work on it, but probably 30 or 40 volunteers. They treat it like it’s the most important thing in the world and work really hard, and it’s good community building.”

Maher expected the evening’s fund-raising to bring in $300,000 to $350,000 in total. “Those funds go right back into program needs and technology and campus security and library and all the other sort of activities that we do at the school … We can go from being a good school to a great school if we have the additional resources to work with, and our parents respond very generously.”

The community eagerly awaits the next John Cooper School Gala, which will be held in two years time. We can only speculate what the theme chosen will be. One thing is for sure; 2019’s Moondust and Meteors Gala will be remembered as one spectacular event.