A well-deserved celebration and a fun night to end off the school year!
By Sonia Berman
On May 30, over two hundred students arrived at the Westmount Country Club at 7:00 PM
For the most part seniors, following tradition, left school at 11:20 AM to prepare for the evening. Many spent the next few hours at hair appointments, mani/pedis (though many do this in the days leading up to the event), and/or getting their makeup done. Many gathered for pre-prom parties, snacks, and photos.
Tuxes were rented, dresses bought and tailored, and shoes purchased before students boarded limos, buses, or cars. By 8:30 PM, however, few stilettos could be spotted on the dance floor with socks, flip-flops, or even bare feet being favored.
After numerous complaints from juniors—this year’s seniors—about last year’s music selection, the student government asked art teacher Mrs. Maxwell to DJ, rather than hiring an outside DJ service. Numerous students commented on the improvement in music this year; there were more pop songs, other than those meant for the anticipated mosh pit that forms at nearly every school dance in the middle of the dance floor.
Songs such as “HOT TO GO!” by Chappel Roan, and “Mr. Brightside,” by The Killers, were played. Plus, unlike last year, there was a slow song played—“A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri—though few couples dotted the dance floor.
While it took about an hour for the dance floor to become crowded, once it did, the only notable break in the densely packed mob was during dessert. There was a sundae bar as well cookies, brownies, tarts, fruit, and a variety of other sweet treats.
In the hours leading up to dessert, there had been a number of different food stations: mini burgers and hot dogs, tacos, macaroni and cheese, charcuterie boards, sandwiches, pasta, roast meat, and so much more. These stations were available for the majority of the dance, and unlike last year, no entree was served.
Some teachers came to visit students and grab a bite for cocktail hour while others remained for the entirety of the event as chaperones.
Unlike last year, there was ample outside space found in a courtyard with comfortable seating, a fountain, and foliage. While it was a difficult venture to navigate the cobblestone, the photographs—for many—were worth it. Not including a short bout of rain, at least fifty students were outside at any given time to take pictures as well as avoid the noise and crowds.
Incidentally, there was also a digital photo booth inside.
While the event officially ended at 11:00 PM, students were permitted to depart at 10:30 PM; most left immediately, likely either heading to an after party or straight to their promhouse in Long Beach Island or another new jersey beach town. Others headed to the beach on Saturday morning, remaining until Monday afternoon (i.e. Senior Skip Day). Some favored spending the weekend in New York City.
All in all, many who attended prom last year ventured to say this year was even better, marking a successful celebration.