With prom being a high school staple, there are a lot of exciting emotions surrounding the event. While prom itself has not changed, the social norms surrounding the dance have evolved over time.
Most students agree that dancing at prom is the least exciting part of the night, and while everyone makes an effort to look glamorous, many do it for the social media appeal rather than the dance itself. “I think prom is more about everything around it more than the actual dance,” said junior Brynn Edgin. “Like getting ready and taking pictures all together and the after prom but not so much the actual dance. People do enjoy posting on social media so I do think to some extent prom has become more about social media than the actual dance”
For older generations, the most important part of prom was finding a date. Nowadays, while some choose to attend with a date or go with a significant other, many enjoy the experience better with friends instead. “With social media being a priority for many high-schoolers, I think nowadays people would rather just go with their friends than go with a date. People tend to find it a little less stressful and more fun if they just go with their friends because they know it’s not going to be awkward or not fun if they go with their friends. Also it can be hard to find a date sometimes,” added Edgin,
The Right After Prom celebration, also known as “RAP,” is a highlight for many. Taking place at the Bett Plex from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. where there is food, bowling, laser tag and more in an effort to encourage students to stay off the streets. “I’m most excited about attending RAP with my friends. It’s the end of our senior year, so I can’t wait to create some of our last high school memories with the girls that have been by my side through it all,” said senior Sophia Foad.
Although prom and the festivities around it have adapted over time, it continues to hold the same allure. Despite not having quite the same formal essence as it may have originally held, prom is still a very exciting and canon event for highschoolers.
