HOPE – The night will turn electric Saturday as the Hope High School cafeteria transforms into the setting for the “Neon Nights” prom.
“Preparations for prom begin once we come back from Christmas break,” Lena VanCamp, HHS Student Council advisor, explained. “Prom is the biggest event that Student Council hosts during the spring semester.”
Tickets are $25 each and are currently on sale, VanCamp said.
“Traditionally, prom is held on Good Friday, but since Good Friday fell during spring break this year, we moved the date,” she said. “When talks of prom preparations begin, it becomes more apparent to students that the school year is winding down.”
That is especially poignant for seniors, VanCamp added.
“The seniors are especially sentimental since prom is the last big high school event before graduation,” she said. “For some students, the reality of what is to come after graduation begins with purchasing that last prom ticket.”
Red Carpet events begin at 7 p.m. on the HHS campus and prom activities in the HHS cafeteria start at 7:30 p.m. and will continue until 11 p.m.
A prom king and queen will be crowned from the senior class during the evening, and a junior class prince and princess will also be named.
Prom “casino” opens at 8:30 p.m. and closes at 10 p.m., VanCamp said.
Tickets won in the casino allow students to try their luck at winning prizes donated by community businesses, she said.
“Even though we hold prom in the high school cafeteria, a place that most students visit every school day, we try to create a new atmosphere; an atmosphere that students have not had the privilege to experience yet,” VanCamp said.
Splashed with neon color and with dancing provided to music from the DJ service of Central Arkansas Entertainment, the transformation becomes complete, she said.
“The small details are what helps to make prom so memorable, and that is why we usually make the small details our biggest focus,” VanCamp said.
Food and beverages will also be served throughout the evening, she said.
Students interested in hosting a non-student at prom must complete the proper form in the central office, VanCamp said.
