We wake up early with excitement in our eyes.
Today’s the day: Prom.
Since the beginning of time, it has been the moment students dream of when they first enter high school or the day they stress the most.
Prom holds a huge part in our culture. We hear stories from are parents and grandparents and see prom growing up in popular culture, like movies and TV shows.
490 Dallastown students and guests got the opportunity to walk the blue carpet for their prom, Saturday, May 3, 2025, ready for a luxury evening of dance and fun at Wisehaven.
The event’s planning began during work time before the event itself. Mrs. French and Mrs. Epps, the senior class advisors, had been preparing for the event alongside party planners and the senior class officers.
“The planning of the prom went so smoothly. Mrs. Epps and I work with several vendors to make prom happen: our venue, Wisehaven, a DJ from HD Entertainment, FX Photo Booths, and our balloon decorator, Samantha Smith. We have a lot of support in the building, too, from Mrs. Picking in the main office; she’s a huge help to us when it comes to organizing tickets. We couldn’t do it without her,” French said.
This year’s theme, The Great Gatsby, highlights the Roaring 20s era of the United States.
“This year, the class officers wanted to use our balloon decorations and invitations to highlight our Gatsby theme. We used primarily a black, gold, and silver color scheme. We were so happy with how it turned out,” French said.
The decorations were a bigger part of the event compared to past years. When they entered the banquet, students were greeted with a bright light “Prom 2025” sign.
“I loved the balloon decorations this year. We did more this year than in years past, and we thought it was so beautiful.” French said.
Doors for the event opened at 5 p.m. and closed at 6 p.m.
When students entered the event, there was an open buffet to dine from. The menu offered chicken parmigiana, tender sliced beef with gravy, penne alfredo, and various side dishes as well. There was also a dessert bar offered later in the evening.
Wisehaven itself offered two floors of dining for the students, everyone gathered at tables to eat alongside their dates and their friends.
After everyone was settled and finished eating, students gathered onto the dance floor, and after about five songs were played, it was time for the long-awaited crowning of the 2025 Prom King and Queen.
This year’s contenders included 10 students, five boys and five girls: Emma Beach, Tess Bugbee, Cassidy Gable, Mariah Paige, Tori Ruane, Sam Forry, Zachary Guy, Aiden Karlie, Rayne Ogans, and Perry Warner.
“I felt pretty confident that I would get on prom court given my peers’ and friends’ expressed support, but it was still somewhat of a surprise and an exciting one too,” Bugbee exclaimed.
In the end, Warner was crowned prom king alongside Bugbee as the prom queen. On the topic of campaigning for the crown, both felt an early sense of confidence that they had a chance of winning the crown.
“I was quite surprised [that I made it] at first, because the number of people I saw campaigning. I had some different answers when I asked around about who was voting for whom. But I was hoping I made the court because I could campaign harder at prom,” Warner said.
“By the time I made court, I was going around asking people to vote for me, and a lot of people said they would vote for me. So by the day of prom, I walked around getting pictures, so many people told me they voted for me, which out my quite high, so I had a feeling by the time that I had a good chance.”
The crowning was a huge moment at the prom this year.
The senior class president, Jackson Aiosa, announced the crowning of Bugbee and Warner. He didn’t know the king and queen until that moment on stage when he opened the envelope.
“Getting to announce the prom king and queen was a lot of fun. It wasn’t too nerve-racking as they basically had the script written for me and I only had to improvise in a couple spots. I just tried to have fun with it and be as entertaining as I could, even though the moment wasn’t about me,” Aiosa said.
Bugbee, Warner, and French agree that the crowning was one of the best moments of the night.
“I was overcome with joy, and my first thought was to be thankful for so many people choosing me to be the king. I was especially excited when I heard the cheers from the crowd. My second thought was I remembered I promised Kaden Beaverson I’d hug him if I won, so after Tess was named the queen, I ran over to him,” Warner said.
Other than the crowning, another crucial part of prom is style.
Everyone was dressed their best; Prom 2025 fashion reflects individuality the best. Florals, glitter and other patterns were featured.
As trends and fashions change, it is memories that outlast trends. As for this year and historically, prom is a night to remember.
