High school is jam-packed full of all the casual stereotypes that have been around since the dawn of our age, and even before then. These stereotypes are often exaggerated by the media we consume, loosely based on the social cliques we associate with. However, it should be noted that everyone is far more complex than the versions of themselves they choose to present. Either way, I think when we were younger, we all imagined high school as some huge cafeteria where everyone has a designated role, separated into their own pubescent ecosystems that make up a teenage jungle, dealing with their own high school trifles.
And within those groups, at some point towards the end of the year, they all will think of prom.
Prom is one of those age-old traditions that every kid will one day look back on. It’s considered a rite of passage; It has been celebrated by students throughout the nineteenth century and was originally modeled after debutante balls of high societies. Now prom is a billion-dollar industry, and we love it. It’s basically a big, old dance designed perfectly to appeal to the existential dreads of high school kids and their wallets. It’s one magical night out of the year where almost everyone you know is gonna be dolled up and socializing, gaining what is said to be the ultimate high school experience. It’s the ultimate soiree. That is just one reason our school hosts prom annually, to give students that experience. This prom will be held on April 4th, hosted at the Reynolds Center, and contributed to by the prom committee, teachers, and staff.
Mrs. Taylor, one of our amazing school counselors, shared some insights on this year’s current prom and the challenges along the way. “There have been some challenges this year. In past years, whenever I was over prom, we did all the fundraising for it…”
This year, however, the prom sponsors were told they were not allowed to fundraise, and their budget was also set for $4,000, of which over half had already been spent on the venue, a DJ, and a photobooth. With not very much in the prom account, some very serious questions arose over this year’s prom and how it was going to progress.
“ I panicked a little bit. I really did. And it’s not just me. The other teachers are really great at helping with it all. Mrs. Upton, Mrs. Snipes, Ms. Hopper, Mrs. Hebert, Mrs. Smith, they are all a great help… but it is still challenging. You know? So we have brainstormed with the prom committee. I have some amazing kids on the prom committee, and we are dedicated to making this prom good.”
Our prom committee and various community members have been giving out donated items to support the prom. To help make prom the best it can be this year, the committee has even considered changing the venue to cut the costs.
“That’s what we want: a good prom. I want that, my sponsors, my prom committee, we all want a good prom. Prom is one of those things that everybody remembers from high school. It’s a big moment. And so we don’t want it minimized.” Mrs. Taylor emphasized.
And this is a very true sentiment; we all want to have a fantastic prom and to look back on our high school years.
“ I haven’t really been given a reason for these changes, but we are really dedicated to making this work. You know? So we have a tentative theme, it’s really exciting.”
I am not at liberty to reveal this theme; however, I do have word of how magical it will be.
“Think whimsical, think elegant. I’ve always loved the creative freedom that comes with prom, and I think this theme is new and exciting. We have had so much fun with prom in the past, and I just wanted to continue that and to make sure that everybody has a good time and that wherever we’re at, whatever venue we’re at it doesn’t look like that venue, it looks nice and it’s something that they can be proud of and that they can remember fondly.”
It’s reassuring to know that our staff and fellow students are committed to making our prom special. Even with the challenges faced this year, the dedication and creativity of everyone involved promise a memorable night for all.
