Prom isn’t just a school dance—it’s an elevated experience that not only honors royalty, but aims to treat all students like it.  

From the exquisite cuisine to the chic venue decor, prom should not be left in the shadows—so spend your night In the Clouds on May 16.

“It feels like you’re having a party with the entire grade. Friend groups merge on the dance floor no matter how good the music might be, ” senior Nate Arch said. 

To create this unforgettable night, there’s more work that goes on behind the scenes than one would expect. Each year, there is a group of dedicated moms a part of the APT that are delegated the responsibility of planning the decorations to match that year’s theme and managing the back-end work that goes into making the night a success. 

Growing up, prom was the night I had always admired. Each character on any show I watched: Alexa and Katie, Liv and Maddie, and Austin and Ally, were all characters I looked up to. It was a full circle moment because it was the night I had longed for since childhood. 

“The hope is that prom sets itself apart and becomes a core memory for everyone that attends,” Junior Class Student Council Sponsor Mrs. Crouch said. 

However, it’s not just the APT that is in charge of planning Prom. From choosing the theme to selecting the menu, the Junior Class Prom Committee—a group of dedicated hard-working students—is assigned the responsibility of bringing the dance to life. 

“There are a lot more meetings in order to do this properly, but it’s nice because it becomes a community event in that way,” Crouch said. 

The work of the Prom Committee typically goes unnoticed. However, the puzzle pieces that they place ultimately create this gorgeous puzzle that is Prom.

Unbeknownst to others, the committee makes a lot of decisions that can go unrecognized, between food tasting, tablecloth colors, envelopes, and invitations, the committee has its work cut out for it each year. 

Despite the majority of prom planning being assigned to these committees, there is still one important aspect that requires the entire Junior Class—Prom Court. 

Each year, juniors vote via a link on Schoology and during their English classes. The honor of Prom Court is a way for students to be recognized for their profound contributions to the school’s social climate. 

Arch echoes what the Prom Court means to LFHS students, making him the obvious selection to be on the Court. Although he did not win royalty, everyone should aspire to be like Nate. He is the most genuine and charismatic student you will ever meet.

“It made me really happy to know that I had kind of made an impact on people in such a way. I always try to say “hi” to everyone, even if I barely know them, because that’s just who I am,” Arch said. 

“Although being on prom court was a great time,” Arch emphasized how “It didn’t define [his] prom experience any more than the suit [he] wore.” 

Senior Josie Irvin, who was also chosen to be on Prom Court last year, appreciates the smaller social interactions at Prom compared to homecoming and formal. 

“From the red carpet to the dance floor at the venue, I had an awesome time. It was so fun going to a place other than the competition gym; the venue definitely set a great tone, “ Irvin said. 

Prom is set to be at the same venue as last year, at Belvedere Events in Elk Grove Village. 

With the venue already echoing a Greek aesthetic, it is without a doubt that this year’s prom will blow the boutonniere and corsages off students.  

“Having prom offsite makes it feel like more of an event and gives it a wedding reception vibe. There are passed appetizers, a sit down dinner, a mini program introducing Prom Royalty, and then dancing,” Crouch said. 

Tables are typically a huge stressor in the lead up to prom; however, this year, the school is piloting a new website that makes it easier for students to craft their tables. If a guest has a date, they will automatically be added to the same table. 

“I was put at a table with an array of such people—it was really nice to chat with everyone,” Arch said. 

Prom has increasingly become more accessible to students due to the efforts of the Student Activities Director, Mrs. Malec. 

“I manage the overall budget and contracts with the vendors: DJ, photo booths, venue, bussing, City of Lake Forest. Additionally, Ms. Sabin and I handle online ticket sales, prom table reservations—which would not be possible without Mr. Holmer,” Malec said. 

Although her top priority remains “ensuring prom is safe and accessible for all students.” 

However, these efforts would not be possible without the help of Student Council Advisor Mrs. Crouch, who works with the prom parents to ensure all of the meals and centerpieces are correct and ready. She puts all of the ideas into practice that the Prom Committee has come up with. 

“There are a lot more moving parts to prom than the other dances, and everyone in the Junior Class has had a great time planning it, and we are all excited to see it come to life, ” Junior Class President Leo Halperin said. 

Without the contributions of these superheroes, prom would not be possible.

On the topic of possible, I was almost certain my prom last year wouldn’t be!

From finding the perfect dress to the midnight anxiety, I was on the verge of tears before prom had even started. However, the second I got to the pre-party, all of my nerves somehow vanished. 

I ended up having the time of my life, and even though I still have scars on my feet from my heels, I can confidently say it was a night I will never forget. 

Prom is a night one can only dream about—it’s called in the clouds for a reason!

It’s one you will remember for the rest of your life—so savor every little moment of it.