By Emily Lewis
Everyone knows what prom is but do you know how it first came about?
The word prom is short for promenade: the formal, introductory parading of guests at a party. At the high school level, proms were a regular event by the early 1900s. These turn-of-the-century proms were generally simple affairs where youth came only to dine together in their Sunday best. However, by the 1920s and 1930s, dancing had also become an essential element of the prom. Rather than a simple gathering, prom became an annual class banquet where students met with each other and danced afterward.
Everyone knows what prom is but do you know how it first came about?
The word prom is short for promenade: the formal, introductory parading of guests at a party. At the high school level, proms were a regular event by the early 1900s. These turn-of-the-century proms were generally simple affairs where youth came only to dine together in their Sunday best. However, by the 1920s and 1930s, dancing had also become an essential element of the prom. Rather than a simple gathering, prom became an annual class banquet where students met with each other and danced afterward.
At New Haven High School, it is a tradition for the Junior Class to decorate the gymnasium for prom. This year, the Class of 2017 decided to base the theme off of the 1904 St.Louis World’s Fair.
The Junior Class filled the gym with pieces such as an ice cream booth, paintings, various lights, and in the center, replicating the Queen of England’s crown jewels—the coronation crowns. Along with each decoration, they included a fun fact about the historical elements of the World's Fair.
“[The theme] was really cool and unique. It wasn't based on a movie or book so we didn't have a template. I'm happy that we had to come up with everything. We did it all and it went really well,’ expressed Junior Class member, Patricia Weatherly.
While it is the main event, prom isn’t just about the dance. It’s the outfit, the pictures, the hair, the nails, the accessories, and the dining that make up the perfect prom experience.
Many students spend countless months preparing for the night.
Senior, Maddie Fleer describes the extensively long hunt it took for her to find her dress. “I went to 4 malls and two different prom stores. Then we finally decided to stop quickly in Washington at Wedding Creations. Sure enough, in a matter of 15 minutes, I had a prom dress.”
For others, like senior Andrew Menke, it was fairly simple. “I took Brooke to Wedding Creations, and had her do the work.”
When asked about what their favorite part of prom was, each student answered a little differently.
“I loved spending time with my prom date and taking pictures with him. He’s my best friend and I was happy to spend the night with him,” quotes senior, Sharon Brewster.
“We had a big bernie cult line doing ‘The Bernie’ all over the place,” responds senior Keven McDowell.
Senior Erin Scheer states, “I really loved just getting all fancy and getting to wear my dress all day!”
Near the end of the dance, the seniors lined up for the Senior Walk, moments before King and Queen coronation. This year’s 2016 Prom King and Queen were Jared Horstman and Jenny Alvarez.
“I never in a million years expected to win, so winning was a good surprise. I was grateful to be able to spend my senior prom with my best friends having a great time because soon we will all be going our separate ways,” enthusiastically comments Prom Queen, Jenny Alvarez.
The 2016 New Haven High School prom was a success!
The Junior Class filled the gym with pieces such as an ice cream booth, paintings, various lights, and in the center, replicating the Queen of England’s crown jewels—the coronation crowns. Along with each decoration, they included a fun fact about the historical elements of the World's Fair.
“[The theme] was really cool and unique. It wasn't based on a movie or book so we didn't have a template. I'm happy that we had to come up with everything. We did it all and it went really well,’ expressed Junior Class member, Patricia Weatherly.
While it is the main event, prom isn’t just about the dance. It’s the outfit, the pictures, the hair, the nails, the accessories, and the dining that make up the perfect prom experience.
Many students spend countless months preparing for the night.
Senior, Maddie Fleer describes the extensively long hunt it took for her to find her dress. “I went to 4 malls and two different prom stores. Then we finally decided to stop quickly in Washington at Wedding Creations. Sure enough, in a matter of 15 minutes, I had a prom dress.”
For others, like senior Andrew Menke, it was fairly simple. “I took Brooke to Wedding Creations, and had her do the work.”
When asked about what their favorite part of prom was, each student answered a little differently.
“I loved spending time with my prom date and taking pictures with him. He’s my best friend and I was happy to spend the night with him,” quotes senior, Sharon Brewster.
“We had a big bernie cult line doing ‘The Bernie’ all over the place,” responds senior Keven McDowell.
Senior Erin Scheer states, “I really loved just getting all fancy and getting to wear my dress all day!”
Near the end of the dance, the seniors lined up for the Senior Walk, moments before King and Queen coronation. This year’s 2016 Prom King and Queen were Jared Horstman and Jenny Alvarez.
“I never in a million years expected to win, so winning was a good surprise. I was grateful to be able to spend my senior prom with my best friends having a great time because soon we will all be going our separate ways,” enthusiastically comments Prom Queen, Jenny Alvarez.
The 2016 New Haven High School prom was a success!
RSS Feed