The majority of seniors surveyed said they will be attending prom this year.
On April 17, students will gather at Ashton Place for prom, a special evening filled with celebration, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime.
According to Google AI Overview, prom continues to be a major high school tradition in the United States, with participation ranging from about half to nearly 90% of students each year, especially among seniors. It also reports that many students spend $100 or more on tickets, outfits, and transportation, while some families spend nothing due to non-attendance. Additionally, more than half of proms are held at schools, while others take place at off-campus venues. In a random survey of 100 Morton East students, 60 stated that they are attending prom, and 40 said they are not.
The buffet menu will include an Aston House salad with croutons served on the side and a choice of raspberry vinaigrette or ranch dressing. The main entrée will be Bella Française, a chicken dish prepared in egg batter and topped with lemon beurre blanc sauce, with a gluten-free and vegan option of pasta primavera with garlic and oil. Sides will include Yukon Gold mashed potatoes and green beans with garlic oil. Dessert will feature Free Rainbow Cone, with an optional deluxe miniature dessert table including brownies, French lemon bars, fruit kolacky, gourmet cookies, Napoleons, cream puffs, chocolate éclairs, cannoli, petit fours, and chocolate-covered strawberries.
“Tickets are now available to everyone, and there is no limit on how many can be sold. About 700 students attended last year. Ticket prices remained the same as before, $95 during presale and $110 for late purchases. The total cost of the venue, including the DJ, food, entertainers, decorations, and rental of Ashton Place, is around $45,000. We also have to pay the individuals who are entertaining the students,” said Librarian Ms. Angel Samata.
In addition to outlining ticket availability and costs, Librarian Samata, the staff member in charge of prom, emphasized the significant efforts needed to make the event memorable for students.
“My dream prom this year is to be with my sister at her prom and have a good time. Since I’m still a sophomore, she’s basically inviting me as her guest. Hopefully, by the time I’m a senior, my boyfriend will ask me to be his prom date so we can dance and have our moment during our last year of high school before we graduate. I also hope they play ‘Die with a Smile’ by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars because my sister and I are fans of both artists. The song feels happy and romantic at the same time, and I love it. I think they should play it,” said Morton East sophomore Crisol Moreno.
“I think the prom should offer more food options because some students may prefer a vegan or gluten-free option. The song I would want for prom is ‘Unwritten’ by Natasha Bedingfield because I feel like it would be a sentimental moment for everyone, to end a chapter and start a new one. My dream prom moment is to have fun with my friends, also my friend group from sophomore year, laughing and enjoying our last moments while reminiscing on the past years, and singing ‘Unwritten’ at the top of our lungs,” said Morton East senior Vanessa Espinosa.
Vanessa’s reflections highlight how students are looking forward to meaningful moments and shared memories at prom.
“For food, I think chicken sounds like a healthy option, like a salad, instead of junk food. A prom song I would like the DJ to play is ‘Abracadabra’ by Lady Gaga because it’s such a fun song that would make everyone happy and want to dance together. My dream prom moment is spending time with my prom date and friends, and hopefully Morty, our school Mustang, joins the dance along with the principal,” said Morton East senior Olivia Nieves.
Olivia’s excitement shows how students look forward to fun and lively moments at prom.
“The song I would like the DJ to play is ‘Black Sheep’ by Brie Larson from the movie Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. I’d love for it to be played at prom because it has a fun vibe that everyone could enjoy. My dream prom moment is just hanging out with my friends and having a good time before I graduate,” said Morton East senior Alejandra Baranja.
Alejandra’s choice shows how students want prom to be fun and memorable with friends.
“The main course with chicken and the gluten-free sides sounds good. The song I would like is ‘Promise’ by Prince Royce; it’s amazing to dance to. My dream prom moment is getting ready in my beautiful dress, having my hair done, and sharing time with my dance partner, cherishing our last moments at the dance before graduation,” said Morton East senior Lily Avina.
Lily’s plans highlight how prom is not just about the music and food, but also about creating lasting memories.
“I believe there should be other food options available for those who prefer vegan or gluten-free choices. Prom should be about inclusion and celebrating everyone’s success as we approach graduation, highlighting everyone’s tastes and preferences. A song I would like to be played at prom is ‘Lovebomb’ by The Neighbourhood. They are one of my favorite bands, and the song clearly expresses announcing your love to someone. It also reflects the beauty of breaking away from boyfriend-girlfriend stereotypes and accepting one another—not for stereotypical love, but for true love. My dream prom moment is dancing salsa with my girlfriend,” said Morton East senior Juan Perez Alvarez.
Juan’s words emphasize how prom can serve as a celebration of individuality, inclusion, and authentic self-expression for all students.
