Prom is one of the most heavily anticipated events of the year for juniors and seniors. Between the big promposals, shopping for the perfect outfit, and planning a perfect night, it can be quite chaotic. Prom, especially for seniors, is a special night to celebrate the journey through high school and to make forever lasting memories with friends. 

Prom 2023 was extremely successful, taking place in the Hyatt Regency Hotel. With lights strung all along the walls creating the perfect atmosphere, and a surprise flash mob, it truly was an unforgettable night. 

“Although I am a junior now and didn’t attend prom last year, from what I’ve seen it looked amazing!” Said junior student council member Kat Yakes, “I’ve only heard people say great things about it, and it’s made me even more excited to attend my first prom.” 

Prom 2023 was also the first time prom was located at a venue outside of LFHS since COVID.

“It was a lot easier to implement for the Prom Committee since we didn’t have to set up and collect every single thing by hand,” said Ashleigh Malec. 

Rumors have been circulating throughout the school about what to expect for this year’s prom, since it seems like there have been some big changes made. 

“Comparing both this year’s prom and last, there are going to be some big changes. Starting off, the venue is on water rather than land, which means faculty and staff will heavily implement new and old rules,” said Yakes. 

This year the school has decided to make a change to the usual prom set up. Instead of the dance taking place at a hotel, LFHS has decided to rent a yacht. As exciting as the yacht will be, there are also rules that the yacht will enforce that will be new for students and staff alike. 

First things first, students will no longer be able to carry handbags, which has already caused a bit of confusion among the student body. 

“When I first heard about the no bag rule, I was really disappointed,” said senior Rachel Silvers. “I was so excited to coordinate all of my accessories.” 

Although this may be a bit disappointing for students who wanted to bring a bag, this rule is only to ensure everyone’s safety. It is in the students best interest to plan accordingly regarding the bag rule, so that they aren’t unprepared on the big night. If you do happen to bring a bag, your bag will be placed in a labeled clear plastic bag upon arrival to the school. They will be searched and placed on the bus. It’s important to note that all bags need to be left on the bus upon arrival to the boat, so make sure you pack appropriately! 

There have also been speculations that students are not allowed to wear heels to prom: “There is a rumor going around that we are not allowing students to wear high heeled shoes. That is not true, but the boat does require that shoes are worn at all times. I would encourage students who may be wearing new shoes to bring a back-up pair of flip flops and keep those on the bus to change into after the red carpet,” said Malec. 

It’s quite common for high heels and other uncomfortable shoes to be taken off during school dances, “Everyone knows that by hour two all the heels come off and barefeet are on the dancefloor,” said student council advisor Julie Crouch. So make sure you wear comfortable heels or bring a pair of backup shoes! 

After students walk the red carpet, a tradition that’s taken place at LFHS for many years, they will board a bus that takes 50 people to the city. 

The boat will include three dance floors, buffets on each floor, and rooftop seating with a view of the city skyline. The boat will travel around the river for about two and a half hours. “The boat has four unique areas – the first and second floors will serve the buffet dinner and allow for students to dance once the meal has been cleaned up. Aside from the observation deck, each floor has its own DJ playing different music,” Malec says. 

This year the junior class student council has voted on the theme to be “Step into the Spotlight.” With the theme relating to Hollywood, the boat venue and the traditional red carpet fit together perfectly!

Because of the little time that we have to get to the boat, the red carpet may look a little different this year. 

“The red carpet will be split apart into two carpets to allow for faster loading of the buses. There will be a photographer at the end of both red carpets to capture candids as well,” said Malec. Many students know how long the line to the red carpet can take, so this should allow for a faster loading process, and less time waiting.  

“We have a 45 minute window (6:15pm-7pm) to board the boat. Red carpet is going to be fast. We have less than an hour to get about 650 students through the Red Carpet and on the buses. With all the construction, we are worried about traffic getting to the city,” said Malec. 

With all this said, it is important that everyone is on time to the red carpet, so that everything runs smoothly, and everyone has the chance to get a good picture on the red carpet! Although prom may look a little different this year, it will definitely be a prom to remember!