Under shimmering lights and bright stars, Bulldogs spent the night on the dance floor, boogying in the City of Stars, April 12. From the free drinks, to the photo booth, to the DJ, students had a surplus of entertainment to do at prom to keep up the fun energy in the Ventura Music Hall. The dance, held from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., was packed with high-energy dances and unforgettable memories.
In the months leading up to prom, ASB picked out the theme, decor and venue. The theme, chosen by junior class president and vice presidents Naima Dickerson and Alex Orrantia, was set in the musical hit “La La Land.” Orrantia and Dickerson discussed with the ASB class months in advance to decide on a plan for the biggest dance of the year.
“We are always looking for [themes] that are interesting or new,” Dickerson said. “I loved being able to work with my peers to plan the dance. There are a lot of brains that go into this operation.”
As the doors opened into the starry wonderland, students drifted in, observing the flashing stars and greeting their friends. Circles spelling “PROM ‘25” were plastered across the dance floor wall in large letters, surrounded by glowing fairy lights. To further emerge students in the world of technicolor, film strips with scenes from La La Land were stretched across the walls and building silhouette centerpieces illuminated every table.
A range of students attended, the youngest group being sophomores that were accompanied by their upperclassmen friends. Many seniors had high expectations for the dance while other students were going to prom for the first time, like junior Madison Garza.
“The venue is really nice and [ASB] did a good job with the decorations,” Garza said. “I think prom is really what you make it, so I expected it to be fun.”
One of the main events of the night, the revealing of prom royalty, was anticipated by many. As soon as the clock hit 10:15 p.m., voting closed and the results were solidified. The nominees were welcomed to the stage, each receiving a flower bouquet as they shuffled into a line.
As nerves rose, Orrantia read the names of the winners who were revealed to be Miles Abbott and Mathew Lidren for junior prom court, and Kimberly Chavarria and Royal Riggs for senior prom court. The crowd erupted in cheers.
As described by Riggs, he “had no idea” whether he would win prom court, but his expectations were exceeded and he overall “had a great time.”
Beyond the student’s reactions, teacher and administrative chaperones got a taste of the night under the stars. Principal Audrey Asplund was pleased with the turnout.
“We had almost 500 tickets sold. A lot of students [were] dancing which is a great sign and the music [was good],” Asplund said. “It is a lot of work for ASB so I appreciate how hard the students work.”
Similarly, English teacher Antoinette Perez who has been a chaperon for a handful of years, enjoyed the event and loves to see students “enjoying themselves and making memories.”
As the night came to an end and students began to wind down, many took pictures in the starry photo booth and got drinks from the non-alcoholic bar. Hanging star lights twinkled and the DJ played the last song while many students sat around a table and shared favorable moments. Junior George Meier was amongst the students who made unforgettable memories at his first prom.
“I couldn’t enjoy [prom] more,” Meier said. “I think it is about hanging out with friends and appreciating the time spent together.”
