Dress hunting, shoe shopping, tuxedo renting ... as spring filled the air and the sun began to shine over Danville, the juniors at San Ramon Valley High School were busy getting ready for a prom night to remember last weekend.
In the weeks building up to this big night Saturday, there were talks of parties, dresses, and limos all around campus. For those students still questioning if they should attend prom or not, friends convinced them that it was a "once in a lifetime" chance and a "night you would regret" missing.
This year, the junior prom was held at the Scottish Rite Center in Oakland. Students were allowed to bring guests from other schools and buses were provided for transportation to and from the event for those not riding in the much coveted strech limo.
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Even without the extra frills, attending prom was expensive with tickets alone at $90 per person. On top of that, many girls spent anywhere from under $100 to over $300 on their dresses, plus at least $50 for shoes. For their dates, a typical tuxedo rental cost $150.
So what makes prom so great? Why is this night such a milestone in a high school career?
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"Prom was just how I thought it would be. I always imagined dancing all night and going together with my friends," said junior Veronica Trujillo. "It was magical!"
With three floors including a dance floor, dessert table, and casino room, everyone had somewhere they wanted to be.
For me, prom was a fancier version of homecoming. Girl's dresses were either longer or just more extravagant, and boys were dressed in full tuxedos instead of just slacks and a collared shirt as at homecoming. The day after prom, when everyone had finally woken up from a long night of after parties, Facebook was flooded with pictures, status updates, and more and more pictures.
Although I think prom may be slightly overrated, it was still a great part of my high school experience. The time leading up to prom, getting ready, taking pictures, and dancing all night long is a time I won't soon forget.
