Planning Prom

Next week is possibly the event of the year for MN students, prom. Though we are getting to it as the year is almost over, preparation for this dance began long ago, as soon as the Junior Class Board was formed at the beginning of the school year.

“The first week of school is when we start the club. This year we started with 70 kids but worked our way down to just around 30. Starting off, most kids don’t realize how much work planning prom really is,” Junior Class Board club sponsor Jason Pitt said.

It may seem strange for a club that plans a party to be so intensive and time-consuming, but it is.

“Prom is the biggest event of the year for MN, so we have to plan in-depth for everything. I don’t think people realize that we do things like take an entire meeting just deciding on what tablecloths to use. It may not seem like a big deal, but at prom it is,” Junior Class Board President Helen Whetstine said.

Because there is so much freedom when it comes to planning prom, a lot of individuality and creativity can be seen.
“This year, we wanted to kind of avoid having a stereotypical prom. We wanted it to be a night where you could have fun outside of the normal things, like prom royalty,” Junior Class Board Treasurer Scout Hughes said.

Like always, the exact details of prom are kept under lock and key so that it stays a surprise for those attending. However, a few details were spared about what sets this year apart.

“Usually most of our budget will go out to a few big things, like the backdrop of Paris last year. This year we spread it out more so there are more little things, like each table being decorated,” Pitt said.

Though prom is always the main attraction, MN’s after prom consistently brings in its own substantial crowd every year, and even with the limitations with construction this year being an obstacle, after prom is expected to be a great success.

“Our layout has changed several times due to the construction and our decorating parameters have been modified due to the physical changes to the school. But, with all this said, our decorators have really stepped up this year, and as always, you won’t even recognize parts of the school!” After Prom volunteer Knut Haasch said.

The school being under construction has been an obstacle to deal with, but those involved expect the night to go smoothly regardless. Last year’s turnout was significant to put it lightly, nearly 1000 kids showed up. After Prom may not be the main event of the evening, but it still brings in an enormous number of students, and the parents in charge are making sure that the student attendance stays high.

“Every year our hypnotist is a huge hit. He’s back this year for two shows and some close up magic.  He is simply amazing and sooo fun! Our casino is expanding so more card sharks can play and our prize teams have totally outdone themselves.  In addition to more activities, we have a few more surprises in store!” Haasch said.

Prom and after prom preparations have been in production for months now. Students, staff and parents have all working hard to make sure that both events go as smoothly as possible.