Prom is the one night each year that students eagerly look forward to, but beyond the dresses, music and dancing, there’s a deeper science.
For many students, prom represents a milestone that marks the transition toward the end of high school. Most girls wear long dresses for prom, creating a more formal and elegant appearance compared to the shorter dresses commonly worn for homecoming. Long gowns have been associated with status, tradition and social significance for centuries, which adds to the feeling that prom is a more important and memorable event.
This elevated sense of formality is also reflected in the price. While the average homecoming dress typically ranges from about $100 to $500, prom dresses often cost between $150 to $800 or more, showing how prom has become both a social and financial investment for many students.
Unlike homecoming, only juniors and seniors are able to attend, making it feel even more special because of its exclusivity and sense of maturity.
“I think it’s just the fact that it’s upperclassmen. It just makes you feel like it’s yours,” Mason Haffey (12) said.
The location of prom also impacts the importance of the night, varying from mood and essence.
“I think having it at the aquarium is definitely really cool because when i went last year like
I just walked around the aquarium for a while before I went to the top floor,” Haffey (12) said.
There is a long history of prom being special and “a night to remember.” As this dance has been held for multiple years.
“I feel like it’s more of a traditional focus. If you think about it, they’ve been doing it for probably 100 years. Like my dad talked about when he was on court,” Ben Pfetzer (12) said.
Some adults even save their dresses to pass down to their children, relatives, or friends. This adds to the heritage aspect of prom.
“It felt more like a tradition because I wore my aunt’s dress. She had worn it in her high school years of the late 1900s and I got to wear it too,” Franny Smith (12) said.
Along with the values of prom, there comes the prom king and queen. Peers vote for their prom king and queen.
“I didn’t expect to be named prom king, but it was rewarding, seeing that I’ve had an impact on people and that people like me enough to vote for me,” Phetzer (12) said.
Concluding the end of prom, most students attend prom till dawn. Prom to Dawn is held at the school and is organized by parents for students to go after prom. Prom to dawn is appealing for students because of the amount of attractions including catered food, bounce houses and games like poker. Ending the night with light hearted fun that allows the senior and junior classes to bond and have freedom in the school building.
“Even though prom is a very stressful night and can be very busy leading up, It is such a fun time and is worth it in the end,” Tenley Graves (12) said.
