Seniors treasure prom despite financial burdens

By Sydney Olden Editor in Chief

Prom is one of the most anticipated events of the school year, but its rising costs, tickets, outfits, and transportation, can place financial pressure on families. Despite this, prom remains an important tradition that celebrates friendship and coming of age.

Girls show off their dresses at the Night in Paris themed prom on May 16. Photo by Tavauge Starling.

Prom night can mean more than just a dance for many seniors since it is an event that comes once in a lifetime. Students feel compelled to attend this occasion as they do not want to regret missing an event where their peers would cherish for many years to come.

"It is my senior year; hence I kind of have to go. If I don't I will be left out," Anthony Monegan said. 

Students find prom appealing because it gives them the chance to enjoy spending time with their friends and peers. During the four years of high school, students make friends and memories that last throughout the years, and prom offers an extra chance for them to commemorate these bonds. 

 “I am very excited to go to prom with my best friends this year,” Rhiannon Leal said.  

Prom is not all about wearing fancy attire or decorating. It is about enjoying the company of others and making memories that will be remembered for life.

While there are many students that looked forward to prom night, not all of the students planned on attending the prom. Perhaps one of the most common reasons why the students decided not to attend is because of the high cost. The cost of attending prom adds up very quickly, causing the cost to reach into the hundreds of dollars. These costs include everything from tickets, to clothing and transportation. 

As mentioned by Senior Yaniya Bell,

 “It’s very expensive, the tickets, the outfits, everything,” Yaniyah Bell said.

Many students feel that because of their finances, they will not have access to prom.

The parent community also bears the burden that is placed on people during prom time. There is a lot of effort put in by parents to ensure that their children will have a great experience, despite the increase in cost. Budgeting becomes important in ensuring that all expenses incurred during the prom are accounted for. 

 “The budgeting was the hardest part because of the price increases of everything else,” Mr. Moore said.  

Aside from the parents and the students, teachers and other school employees also spend a lot of time preparing for the prom night. In planning for the prom, there are various activities that need to be done like theme selection, decoration preparation, food planning, among others. Based on an interview with prom coordinator Ms. Myre, 

The theme “A Night in Paris,” was chosen by the seniors. During the prom night, there were various activities planned like photo booth sessions, decorations, and even a buffet dinner consisting of chicken, pasta, chicken nuggets, salad, and jalapeno poppers. Among the deserts were mini cheesecakes and cookies. This year’s theme of Paris gives a glamorous touch to the prom and gives the students an unforgettable prom experience.

Even with the stress and pressure involved in preparing for prom, many students were still convinced that prom is something they should attend. This is because prom means a lot more than just dancing and taking pictures. The prom signifies friendship, achievement, and coming of age. As far as seniors go, prom is one of the last times they get to experience the joy of being together as they move into new chapters of their lives.

With the approach of graduation, the prom becomes a symbol of the good memories made during their four years in high school. This gives the seniors an opportunity to look back at their memories and enjoy what they have done while they can still do it one last time. Despite the fact that the event is costly and stressful, the prom is very significant to students of Crete-Monee High School.