Juniors and seniors gathered together on May 4 at Argyle Country Club to dance together one last time. This final dance, prom, is considered to be a pivotal high school moment for teenagers and is an anticipated rite of passage.
The preparations start with getting ready, most students choosing to do this with their friends. This is a time-consuming process and many girls may end up rushing if they do not carve out enough time. However, sometimes getting ready in a whirlwind is exciting and creates a memorable experience.
“It’s kind of more fun when you’re in a rush,” junior Isobel Rosa said about her preparation experience, contrasting with fellow junior Alexis Braswell, who woke up early to get ready.
At 7 p.m. teacher chaperons watched students and their guests pour into the club, decked out in fancy dresses and suits. Some dresses commemorated the night by standing out as gorgeous, elaborate, and unforgettable.
“She was in this pink gown that looked like it was something a princess would’ve worn,” theology teacher and chaperone Patricia Petruzzell expressed, describing senior Annelies De Moor’s dress.
Some girls also wore dresses, intentionally or not, that complimented their friends’ gowns and highlighted the school’s sense of sisterhood and community. These complimentary outfits cultivated feelings of community and created quite the pair.
“Gaby Lopez and Grace Pressley were in red and green and they kind of looked like Christmas together,” Petruzzelli remarked. “They hung out together a lot and it just kind of made me happy.”
Beyond the elaborate fashions that decorated the dance floor, students were able to snack on complimentary hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. Most students enjoyed meals before they arrived, so they were pleased that there were fun drinks at the club to enjoy.
“Before, we went to dinner, and I kind of like got super full, but I liked the Shirley Temples,” Braswell stated.
Prom was a major high school moment that carried multiple fond memories for students. Yet, as the tradition continues there is always room for improvement.
“I think that if students have a pre-made song list then the DJ will have some ideas,” Rosa suggested, as she reflected back on the song choices of the evening.
The favorite part of the night for many students was the photo booth. Everyone participated in grabbing a quick picture, from dates, to students, to teachers. Students appreciated having a printed photo to memorialize the evening.
“It was really cool to like have something physical to remember something by,” Braswell said.
Braswell was not alone in this viewpoint, with many others not only appreciating the physical photo, but also the sense of community it carried.
“We were able to keep something and like something that we all were able to be in,” Rosa remarked.
Teachers had their own favorite part of the night while they observed the students from the side. Watching the students and witnessing connections between members of a community after years of having them in class is something the teachers enjoyed.
“Just seeing everybody dressed to the nines and how everyone was excited to be all dressed up,” Petruzzelli expressed. “Just the joy that everyone seemed to have being together.”
