Prom starts long before the doors to the venue open. Plans begin the moment you wonder who you will go with, whether you will have anyone to take pictures with or if you will even belong there. For Boston Latin School students, prom is one of the few times during the school year when hardworking upperclassmen get a genuine break. Promposals, outfit shopping and group planning create a classic image of high school steeped in positivity and enjoyment. This event undoubtedly offers exactly what we all need: a pause on the chaos of school life. Rising costs and social pressures, however, have changed the way many students approach the night of prom. It is now easy to question whether prom is still worth going or not. Even so, it is worth attending because it is a chance to create a core high school memory that will be unforgettable even years later.
The cost of prom is a barrier for many. From tickets to outfits to transportation, prom can cost a pretty penny. Prom, nevertheless, is worth the price because it is a structured, school-sponsored event, designed for students to have fun without having to plan the logistics themselves or worry about the occurrence of any dangerous events. People can experience an evening of fun among familiar faces. Sofia Medjahed (I) says, “If your friends are going and you’re excited about it, then it’s definitely a good experience and something you wouldn’t regret.”
Prom remains one of the few memorable traditions for students. It is one of the best ways to connect with your peers in a way unlike anything you had previously experienced. At a rigorous school like BLS, it offers a unique environment void of academics. It brings together people who have known each other for years but have only seen each other in the hallway. Prom gives these people an opportunity to break the ice and have conversations that allow them to connect with new friends.
Prom additionally creates opportunities for bonding and creativity. The ability to get dressed up, take photos and feel confident allows people to express themselves. People are able to showcase their interests through their hair or makeup styles. Vinh Nguyen (II) notes that prom can feel especially meaningful for students who thrive in energetic environments, explaining that “dancing, socializing and being part of the community can be a really fun and memorable […] for people who enjoy this specific type of experience.”
But for anyone debating whether they should go alone or skip because they feel awkward, just go. It is not embarrassing. You do not need a date or a huge friend group. Everyone at prom deserves to be there, and no one remembers every detail from the night. What matters is personal joy and the feeling of community alongside peers. Jacey Thai (I) says that the best part of prom for her “was seeing everyone excited and dressed up. Seeing people in my class in a different light makes me reminisce. Prom is a huge milestone and marker that we are growing up and moving on from our high school career.”
Prom is absolutely worth attending. Celebrating progress, it is one of the few nights dedicated to dancing, enjoying and celebrating the bigger journey awaiting us. Years from now, these are the moments people look back on as “the good ol’ days.”