Picture this: a starlit evening, the gentle splash of waves, and the glittering Chicago skyline as your backdrop. LFHS Prom 2024 is taking on Lake Michigan as the attendees Step Into The Spotlight, for their glamorous, Hollywood themed night. 

The annual LFHS Prom Dance is just a few months away, and preparation is in full swing. The Junior Student Council is working endlessly to present the perfect night for our students in attendance.

This year’s prom looks a little different because for the first time in our school’s history, our magical night will take place on Lake Michigan: an evening onboard The Odyssey.

“Planning for this event, our Hollywood-inspired ‘Step into the Spotlight’ Prom 2024, has been well underway since last May,” the driving force behind the Junior Student Council and the head of the planning committee, Julie Crouch said.

The students who attend prom will be heading to the city on May 18th, which is later than in previous years to remove stress from the students taking AP exams the first two weeks of May.

The date of the dance is not the only thing that is different this year.

“Some of the other changes besides obviously being on the boat are instead of having to sit down at assigned tables, there will be a buffet for dinner, and the ship has multiple floors with different music so students can move around,” Junior Prom Committee Member Mona Ferraioli said. 

“The students will participate in a two-and-a-half-hour cruise, which includes dining, dancing, and plenty of picture opportunities of the Chicago skyline,” Crouch said. 

There are multiple decks with access to different views and activities for all students and staff to enjoy.

Since the prices will increase based on The Odyssey’s parameters. The ticket price includes the two-and-a-half-hour cruise, a dinner buffet of salad, entree, dessert, and soda bar, DJ entertainment on all levels, a commemorative photograph upon entering the boat, and all security and fees.

“The planning for this has been a little unique. Everyone needs to be on the boat by 7pm. We have been meeting and planning the logistics of this for months already, and students should be aware that the Red Carpet will start very early this year,” Crouch said. 

Earlier this year, the Student Council held a fundraiser by selling sweatshirts specifically meant for the Junior class had much success in raising the money they needed. 

“LFHS’s Junior Class Student Council and the parent prom committee have been working super hard to make prom a fun night for everyone,” Junior Class President Maeve Farrell said. “A group of parents and students recently went to the city and saw the boat where prom will be. Everyone loved it and could see a great night taking place on it!”

The prom invitation incorporates the theme, Hollywood, as well as Step Into The Spotlight. Invitations are being stuffed this week and will be sent out soon after.

“This is going to be a different experience for everyone, but I think it will be a core memory for all that participate,” Crouch said.