Prom may seem far away, but before you know it, you will be at a store figuring out what gown to buy.   

According to “What happens on Prom Night?” From the “Love to know” post, prom is the biggest event of all time in High school. Prom is the biggest event for seniors in high school since it will create one of the most meaningful memories of all time because it is their last memory as a high scholar. Prom includes dressing up all fancy with extravagant dresses, tuxedos and of course, there is a theme. Traditionally, in a prom there will be a King and a Queen of the night but before the revelation, days before the big night there will be nominations in which students will have to vote and decide who will be eliminated and who will continue in the voting. At the end of it, it is a night it is to have fun and enjoy the time with your friends either eating, dancing, or chatting. In a random survey of 170 Morton East Students (seniors, juniors, and sophomores) 65% said they want to attend prom.   

For the last two years, proms across the nation, like Morton’s, have been cancelled or gone virtual.  Many seniors especially have been disappointed that it’s not the same highly anticipated event as it was before the pandemic.  But, there’s exciting news. Mustangs prepare yourselves!    

We interviewed assistant principal Ms. Radzki, who is in charge of planning the big events of the school. Ms. Radzki gave us exciting news for the class of 2022.   

“Prom will definitely be happening,” Ms. Radzki said.  

 Students attending prom should plan for something different this year.    

“So, I think going to prom is going to be a new experience for seniors for our class of 2022 cause all of them have not had the opportunity and like this year we had to follow IDPH again, so we didn’t have a dance we had the fall fest for homecoming, so it’ll be it’ll be something, we’re going to make it special no matter what,” Ms. Radzik said.  

Students who want to attend prom should be prepared for following some rules through the year.  

“In order to attend prom, students must be on track for graduation which means they have to have 17.5 credits as a minimum if they’re a senior, and they have to have 12.5 credits as a minimum as a junior. They have to be passing all of their classes and they have to have 95% attendance.” Ms. Radzki said.   

Seniors this year have missed all the upperclassman hype surrounding prom since school went remote in March of their sophomore year.  So, here are some opinions and experiences of Morton East and Freshmen Center teachers, Ms. Lloyd and Ms. Montalvo, respectively.  

“As a teacher, I haven’t had the opportunity to chaperone prom! On the other hand, as a Morton Alum, I really enjoyed my prom. The night went by so fast, but I had a wonderful time with my friends. I’m still best friends with a friend I had gone to prom with!” language teacher Ms. Montalvo said.   

“I usually attend prom because it’s so exciting to see the seniors having such a wonderful time and celebrating the end of their journey. Prom is always a lovely event,” English teacher Ms. Lloyd said.  

Not having enough money can be overwhelming but there’s no need to spend a lot to look hot.  

“I actually bought my prom dress online for about $100. I am glad I did not spend too much on a dress since I no longer fit into it… Ha-ha,” Ms. Montalvo said.   

“There are ways to save money, ways like buying your dress at Windsor (they have fantastic prices on fancy dresses) or borrowing a dress, shoes, jewelry. There are students from previous years who have unworn prom dresses. If you know someone, you should contact him or her and borrow a dress! The most important price is the ticket. There are ways to save on all of the other parts,” Ms. Lloyd said.   

Class of 2022 is a very special class which is why a special and memorable theme will be needed.  

“I think a great theme will be something about being strong or surviving, something like “Titanium,'” Ms. Lloyd said.   

“I think a theme in relation to “the comeback” fits with class of 2022. Thinking back to pre-COVID, the class of 2022 were sophomores when lockdown began. This year truly encompasses a comeback for those sophomores who are now seniors,” Ms. Montalvo said.  

The students who took the survey were also asked about the theme and what theme would the like. And, most of them wanted a Masquerade Ball.   

As the pandemic affected a lot of events to cancel, with hope that this year will be a year with lots of joy and experiences. Soon you will be hearing more about prom, Class of 2022!