The music is blasting, the lights are flashing, and the room is buzzing with excitement. Students looking sharp in their suits and gowns are laughing and moving to the beat on the dance floor. For many high school seniors, prom marks a milestone in their academic journey. It is a night filled with music, dancing, photographs, and formal attire, creating unforgettable memories that last a lifetime. From selecting themes to regulating budgets, prom is the culmination of careful consideration, creativity, and meticulous planning.
Prom preparation begins early in students’ academic careers. “Many students don’t realize this, but you actually start fundraising for the senior prom when you are freshmen! Your class advisor is responsible for raising money over the four years you spend [in high school]. While some of it will be spent on the Junior Event, t-shirts, and other class initiatives, much of it will go to the Senior Prom. Fashion Show also contributes some of their proceeds to the Senior Prom,” noted Senior Prom coordinator Señorita Meagan Hyman. In addition, “Money from Rebel War shirts and hot cocoa sales goes toward [prom],” said senior class planner Olivia Gu. These organized events underscore how fundraising is a long, continuous, class-wide effort throughout all four years of high school.
Budgeting is another factor that plays a significant role in shaping the prom experience. The most expensive items on the checklist are usually the DJ, decorations, and a photo booth. “The DJ is important to students—we’re willing to spend a little more than what used to be spent to make sure we have a DJ that is in touch with what our students want to hear and open to feedback,” said Senior Prom coordinator Señorita Brooke Zaiff. Efforts to keep ticket prices affordable are also made possible through reusing decorations and support from the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), which has donated both a traditional photo booth and a 360-degree video booth in recent years.
Student input is crucial to the success of prom planning. Themes are not simply selected by class advisors. Rather, they are the result of senior class-wide polls. “We use Google Classroom and Instagram to poll the seniors,” Srta. Zaiff explained. After gathering the survey results, the most popular and feasible option was chosen. Polls are also used for song requests and food choices. As Srta. Hyman put it, “It isn’t our prom, we want [the students] to be excited!”
As senior year nears, the planning process intensifies. One major factor that sets the stage for prom is venue selection. From the building’s layout and the grounds outside to the ease of access and interior size, careful consideration is given to picking the best location. According to prom coordinator Srta. Zaiff, “Each year, we regroup and reassess, but we seem to keep coming back to the Crescent Beach Club. This venue was chosen by our predecessor, and while we sometimes hear that it’s not the most convenient, the students end up loving the ‘aesthetic and instagrammable’ scenery it provides.” With scenic waterfront views and a sunset backdrop at cocktail hour, the venue has become a favorite among students for spectacular photos and ambiance. Additionally, its capacity to accommodate large gatherings is another consideration, as prom typically hosts between 300 and 400 guests.
With all the effort put into making prom a success, one important question remains: Why is prom still relevant? “I absolutely think prom is a relevant high school experience. Especially with our already low school spirit, this event really brings the grade together for a fun night after APs,” noted Gu.
Furthermore, senior Winnifred Jiang added, “As an event that builds up anticipation from freshman to senior year, senior prom is definitely still a very relevant event today. From word of mouth or social media, prom has become an event many high schoolers yearn for.”
From collaborative planning efforts to getting ready with friends before the big night, the elevated spirit of the prom experience has continued to contribute to its relevance. “If the vibes are there, the dance floor will be lit,” said Gu.
For teacher coordinator Srta. Zaiff, however, the most memorable aspect about prom is simply observing the event itself. “From students gathering to take selfies, breaking it down on the dance floor, and creating memories at the photo booth, we absolutely love to see students in this new light—having a blast and celebrating all that they’ve accomplished with the friends they’ve made along the way.”
Looking forward, there are definitely opportunities for improvement in the prom experience. Suggestions such as a better DJ, more prominent advertising, and increased social media promotion can further build excitement. Additionally, better communication, time management, and consistent follow-through, particularly when addressing options with students, could improve participation. “If future prom events add more audience-interactive activities, the event could be much more engaging. Activities like raffles, trending games, and more could raise a lot of spirit,” suggested Jiang.
Ultimately, prom remains a meaningful high school tradition and rite of passage. As senior Olivia Gu put it, “If you left the night with a smile and plenty of memories for a lifetime, then you’ve had a successful prom.”
