Prom is right around the corner, and Juniors are prepping for the big day. Dresses are being bought, suits are being tailored, and anticipation for the event is spreading like wildfire. This year’s Junior Prom is taking place on May 15 aboard the iconic cruise line Cornucopia in Perth Amboy. This will be the last year the school holds junior prom on a boat, one of the main factors why juniors are eager to attend. For many juniors, prom is more than just a dance– it’s a chance to live in the moment and create everlasting memories with friends and families.
Students have been buying their dresses and suits months in advance, because, of course, the worst thing that could happen is showing up in the same outfit as someone else. For many students, prom is a way to express themselves in aspects they might not be able to in regular school settings. One Junior attending Prom, Jillian Marshall (‘27), explains, “Prom is a way we can show off a side of us that never really got to be let out. And overall, it’s a change of scenery that you get to experience with friends.”
While students focus on prepping for prom, the class council members are working hard behind the scenes to make sure everything sails smoothly, from deciding on decorations and advertising tickets to making sure students have a memorable night. “Planning prom takes longer than people think, Executive and VLA member Siri Tarigopula (‘27) clarifies, “We get to decide the menu for the dinner, and it took from a couple of weeks to a month to finalize it.” Creating an atmosphere that allows all students to enjoy the night is often difficult. But the council is considering every detail during the planning process.
But of course, the people we can most thank for the execution of this event are the class administrators. This might seem like a simple process, but Mrs. Morris, the activity director, describes it as “over a year-long process.” They oversee the prom packets, making sure all is paid for. They work with the cruise company to book reservations and find a space suitable for the number of students attending. Over 250 Juniors are expected to attend Prom this year. Mrs. Lehre, faculty co-Advisor for the Junior class says, “this year we had to expand the dance floor. Because of the large number of students, we collectively decided that more room was needed, so we got a space with two floors, one DJ for each floor.” But that’s not the only inside information we have. Mrs. Lehre also gives us a sneak peek at what to expect on the menu: hors d’oeuvres consisting of chicken skewers and fruit kebabs; a buffet including chicken fingers with fries and penne pasta. So come hungry! But don’t be fooled, Mrs. Lehre runs a strict no misbehaving policy, expressing her readiness to turn the boat around herself if things get out of hand.`
That’s not the only thing the administration is turning around. Next year, juniors will no longer celebrate prom on a boat. Mrs. Morris explains the factors that went into deciding this. “The company started asking for too much, money-wise. We didn’t want to do that to our students, so we ultimately had to let go of it.” The cruise had a good run, with ever better memories, but the advisors are excited to create new memories at Foresgate Country Club, the expected venue for juniors attending prom next year.
As the countdown for Prom continues, staff and students are both putting all their effort into making it a memorable night for Juniors. Although the event itself will only last one night, the memories will be everlasting. The anticipation and excitement for the event have already brought students closer together, as talks of planning and outfits fill the halls. With all the excitement surrounding the event, many Juniors (including myself) hope this night is full of fun vibes and unforgettable moments.
