Every year, the much-awaited Prom comes back around. Prom gives students an opportunity to dress up, connect with their peers, dance their shoes off (literally), and experience a night they will never forget.
This year, the dance will be held on April 25, from 5-10 pm at Bear Creek Resort. The time differs from the previous year’s 6-11 to avoid the 11 pm curfew for those with a junior’s license. Tickets are $75 per person and will be sold at lunches from April 7-April 11.
Decorations
This year’s theme, Enchanted Forest, is intended to make individuals attending feel like they are walking and dancing through a whimsical woodland. To do this, Mrs. Lychock, the art club leader and decoration designer, states that the “centerpieces are going to be cut wood, moss, and [fake] candles.” She expresses how Bear Creek already instills the vibe with its stone walls.
When asked what she would wear to the dance, Mrs. Lychock excitedly said she “would probably try to find a dark green dress, like Lord of the Rings vibe.” Yet, the theme doesn’t have to determine the dress: “find something that you really enjoy wearing and that compliments your style.”
Promenade
While most students focus on the dancing portion of Prom, one particular event during the evening usually flies under students’ radar. The Promenade is an optional red carpet experience for everyone attending to participate in.
Mrs. Herron, who helps organize the Promenade, told the WSJ that it has been going on “since the beginning of time” and that, in the past, Upper Perk’s Promenade was televised by a local TV channel called PCTV. “People’s grandparents [and] parents would watch, and it was a big deal. But then less kids started doing the Promenade because they didn’t know about it.” After PCTV’s absence, UPTV jumped in and has been documenting the experience with pre-recorded footage published to Instagram and YouTube.
Mrs. Herron expressed how they plan to make the Promenade more central this year. She said, “I want it to feel like you’re entering the Oscars. There will be music playing, and everyone’s going to hear your name when you’re announced.” Once students reach the end of their paparazzi moment, UPTV interviewers will be waiting with mics and “Who are you wearing?” questions ready to go. Singles and dates alike, everyone is welcome to show off their outfits and feel like a celebrity.
Rules
Like any school event, all school rules apply. Students will be searched upon arrival to be sure no illegal contraband is brought into the dance. Students should know that if they want to leave before 9, chaperones will give parents a call to ensure everyone is on the same page. Those who plan to leave at 9 or after are more than welcome.
On the Friday of Prom, students still have school, so to guarantee everyone has enough time to prepare and get pictures beforehand, the school offers an early release for those attending. Permission forms will be given out and must be submitted before the day of the dance.
UPHS’s vice principal, Mrs. Senavaitis, wants students to be aware that “there really aren’t a lot [of rules]. Just have a good time and don’t worry, it’ll be great.”
Upper Perk, make sure to mark your calendars for April 25th. Get out there, eat some good food, and dance the night away.
