Prom Supplement

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Teachers Take Prom

p.11 Prom in Westport: Way Back When

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Photo by Madison Horne ’12

AN INKLINGS SUPPLEMENT

The Definitive Guide to Looking Great at Prom

“If I don’t get asked, I’ll cry and then ask my brother to take me to prom.”

- Lizzie Cooperstone ’15

“ h ’ prom?””

“What’s - Lorenz Esposito ’13

“I’m excited to finally get a new profile picture.”

- Henry Dumke ’13

INKLINATIONS: PROM EDITION

By Molly Barreca ca ’13 itor Opinions Editor

“I want to slow dance to ‘Ridin Dirty’ by Chamillionaire.”

- Tommy Palumbo ’13

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“I hope that the person who wears the same dress as me trips and falls.” falls ” - Dani Kosinski ’12

prom

♫

Graphic by Sophia Hampton ’15

tunes

It’s prom season.

I say that because in every class I enter during each period of the day, I hear at least one girl exclaim, “OH MY GOD! CHECK OUT MY PERFECT PROM DRESS! LOOK HOW ADORABLE IT IS!” If that wasn’t enough of an indication that prom is in the air, I think guys might even be starting to think about who they want to ask.

That’s just a wild guess though.

With the anticipation of prom there is always the discussion of which songs should be played during the dance. This is a debate that comes around each year. It’s sort of a moot point, because it’s easy to play whatever’s on the Billboard Top 100 and get away with it. But I say nay! I’m going to get a little more analytical, a little more deliberative, and tell you exactly what you should play at prom, because I don’t want to see people “Move It Like Bernie” this year, and if I hear “Call Me

Maybe” again I might cry.

So here are five songs that must be played at prom: “The Motto” – Drake The Reason: Any song that contains the acronym “Y.O.L.O.” (You Only Live Once) deserves to be on the eternal prom playlist.

Additionally, the bass is easy to get caught on and makes for fun dancing. Plus, Drake wears batting gloves in the video while he drives -- he’s clearly stepped up to the plate with “The Motto.”

“Rack City” – Tyga The Reason: This song is my freaking jam. Although half of the song would have to be bleeped out due to intensely demeaning language, previously-unknown rapper Tyga managed to strike gold with this catchy and repetitive tune. Rack city, rack-rack city, indeed.

“Earth Angel” – Marvin Berry and the Starlighters The Reason: Prom isn’t the “En-

chantment Under the Sea” dance, but it serves the same purpose. If it can bring Marty McFly’s parents together, then it can work for you too. If you’re going to play a single song at prom, it should really just be this one on repeat for the entire night “What We Do” – Upper West The Reason: This UPenn/WashU student-rapper combo is working for these two young fellas. This particular song is really catchy and will make the floor shake as the bass bounces all night long.

Prepare to dance for a long, long time.

“What Makes You Beautiful” – One Direction The Reason: Every girl wants to be told why a guy thinks she’s beautiful, and if this song plays, you might get a few ideas. As generic as this bubblegum-pop song is, it works. I don’t know why — it’s just a bunch of British kids with weird haircuts. I guess that’s what girls like now.

INKLINGS / PROM

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TEACHERS Before they chaperoned prom, they DID prom.

JOY RIDE : “My fondest memory of prom was piling into one of the dates’ beat-up car and driving around town going to places dressed in our prom attire...we definitely amused our adolescent selvess..”

- Heather Colletti-Houde

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TA K E P R O M

By Rachel Labarre ’14 A+E Editor

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT :

“Twenty years later, what I appreciate most is that the girl I wanted to date [on the far right] is the one I have ended up with now w..”

- Rob Rogers

INKLINGS / PROM

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prom ts gh u o h t

A Night to Remember ...or Forget!

Girls. Boys. Prom. These are the ingredients that you need to make prom a dream come true, or in some cases, a nightmare. Guys, be warned: your dates are not going to let it be the second option.

Prom is the night that all girls live for. They are in constant pursuit of their very own fairy tale. This is their moment.

The only thing in their way? Boys.

Guys and girls both know that boys are idiots.

And we are proud of it. But on prom night, rest assured that there will be different expectations.

So, a word of advice to my male comrades. Don’t fail to live up to those expectations. If you do, the reaction will be unpleasant, to say the least.

I understand that guys don’t always want to act respectfully. I’m on your side. Be honest though: there is nothing more annoying than a girl crying hysterically.

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Graphic by Connie Zhou ’12

Make no mistake; females are very willing to help the male species in their quest to make a girl happy. It may not be possible, but at least they know what they want for once.

“Be sweet, polite, and hang out with your date,” said Maddy Mann 13, offering some suggestions for guys who want to live through prom night.

I share that information in the hopes that guys will be able to understand girls a little better. Girls, it’s your turn for a little enlightenment.

We will try to live up to your expectations. But it’s impossible when you set the bar so high. No guy will be the Prince Charming of your

dreams. It’s just a cold hard fact.

I apologize if I’m the first to burst your bubble.

As usual, though, boys and girls are going to have to compromise on this matter.

Nobody is going to be completely happy about this. And that’s perfectly understandable.

Guys, be yourself -- just try to be a better you. Being courteous won’t hurt too much, I promise.

Try not to embarrass your date. Don’t show up in a polka dotted suit. Don’t throw up gang signs during the pictures. And please don’t get in any dance battles.

Continued on page 15

Dress Shoes Accessories Limo Hair and Make-Up

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other half page color

By Madison Horne ’12 Photo Editor

The Prom Many girls have to make a decision: to do their own hair, or to visit a salon.

Getting a manicure is a crucial part of the prom experience for many girls.

Finding the perfect pair of shoes, whether pumps, wedges, or flats, is always a source of stress before prom.

Dresses are of the utmost importance when it comes to looking fabulous.

GIRLS

Staying balanced while putting on high heels, some as tall as five inches, is a difficult challenge for many girls.

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For many girls, the final step of the prom process is choosing the perfect accesory to match the dress.

Process Smelling nice for one’s date?

Generally considered a “plus” on prom night.

For junior prom, many boys wear bright and colorful shirts, but for senior prom, white is traditionally the norm.

Tying one’s own tie is often considered to be the hallmark of being an adult.

BOYS

Shiny black shoes are a classy and simple prom staple -- especially at Staples!

Whoops! A last-minute tie touchup is the final step for boys before the big night finally begins.

All dressed? There’s nothing left to do but sit back, relax, and play some video games.

INKLINGS / PROM

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Prom in Westport: Way Back When Picture this: you enter the Staples gym and a huge green parachute coats the ceiling. Loads of green balloons, streamers, and ribbons are attempting to mimic the Emerald City from “The Wizard of Oz.” All of your friends are dancing in dresses that stretch to the floor.

You walk through the hallway to the cafeteria, where tables adorned with glistening green tablecloths replace the usual lunchtime décor. Your favorite pop band “The Left Banke,” is performing a bubbly tune about a girl named Renee on a nearby, temporary stage.

You are not in Kansas anymore.

You are at Staples’ Junior Prom in 1966, when theme dances were still alive and the old Staples still consisted of multiple separate buildings.

Becki Whittington ’67, who was on the Prom Committee both her junior and senior years, recalls that it was a “big deal” to have a lot of amazing decorations to go along with the theme.

But fast forward a decade to Staples’ Senior Prom in 1977, and there wasn’t any theme at all.

“To have a themed prom would have been giving in to the old fashioned ways of our

By Callie Ahlgrim Social Media Specialist

parents,” Amy Leonard ’77 said, a mother of a current Staples sophomore. “In the 70s, it was all about doing things differently.”

Leonard remembers her prom due to the popular music at that time: Fleetwood Mac, Aerosmith, the BeeGees, Queen, and Abba in particular. She said that because they didn’t have a lot of other opportunities to go to dances and be fancy, “this was the big one.”

Although prom was an important event even back then, it has changed in scale over the years.

“It was not nearly as big of a deal as the proms are now.

Girls didn’t get their makeup, hair and nails done. There were no picture parties or limos. You bought a dress downtown a week or so in advance,” Leonard said.

Lee Saveliff ’79, who has a junior daughter at Staples, remembers wearing a “a Gunne Sax dress—which were popular back then—that was long and light blue with a little print,” from an old Main Street clothing store called Country Gal. And much like long dresses, going to Compo Beach is a longstanding tradition for Senior Prom.

But instead of having the option of going to the beach

ti ma me ch ine

Becki Whittington ’67 stands with her prom date before an Emerald City-themed prom. directly after the dance, custom back then was to have breakfast at Compo the next morning -- cooked by school administrators.

That’s not the only thing that’s changed. A favorite part of prom for many current students is the predance picture taking with each “group.” But for a lot of alumni, it was typical to take photos with only your date and then go out to dinner with Continued on page 13 INKLINGS / PROM

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In the Eye of the Beholder: The Definitive Guide to Looking Great at Prom

By Ellie Mann ’13, Staff Writer

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Nervous about prom? Follow these five suggestions, and you’ll look and feel beautiful on your big night.

Dress to Impress The high-low dress is the perfect prom dress. It features a shorter cut in the front and a longer cut in the back. If you’re going for the casual look, throw on a pair of sandals. If you’re going for the dressier look, pair the outfit with some gold heels and gold jewelry. Accessorized with an interesting pair of shoes, this dress is a trendy and chic pick for prom.

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Picture-Perfect Ponies

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Nailed It

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The ponytail is an amazing and versatile “updo” for prom. You could try the slicked back look or the loose and messy look. You could even add a headband! Ponytails that feature loose, bouncy curls are also really pretty.

Years ago, Lauren Conrad started the french braid trend, as pictured on the left. This is flirty and elegant all at the same time.

Mani-pedis are on everyone’s agenda before prom. This spring, there are so many cool and vibrant colors that are trendy. Pastel green, hot fuchsia and neon tangerine are all going to be very popular in the next few months.

Glitter is also very “in”this spring. Keep in mind that your nails don’t have to match your dress perfectly. Be yourself! Have fun with your nails and remember that the color you choose won’t last forever.

Pearly Whites Prom means pictures, and pictures mean smiling. Whether you like it or not, people are going to notice your teeth. Don’t worry about whether your smile is bright enough -- just pick up a pack of teeth-whitening stripes!

While prom can be very expensive, these are definitely worth the money.

No Sun, No Problem The week before prom, girls seems to magically “go on a vacation” and come back with skin that is several shades darker and more orange. If you don’t want to take a trip to the spray tan booth, just visit Achorns Pharmacy in downtown Westport and buy some Tan Towels. You simply rub the tan towel over your body, and your skin will suddenly gain more color and be streak-free. Nothing feels better than looking in the mirror and not feeling washed-out and pasty before your big night!

Prom in Westport: Way Back When (continued from page 11)

a big group of couples.

Leonard went to a steak house in Darien with around 40 of her friends.

“Back then, there were not as many restaurants to choose from, and people did not go out they way people do now,” she said. “It all felt pretty special.”

Nevertheless, despite all the differences, some things remain timeless. A tradition that has seemed to carry is the everpopular idea of after-parties.

Leonard says that she and her friends tended to bounce from party to party, eventually ending up at the old Friendly’s in Playhouse Square.

For Whittington it was more relaxed; she remembers playing pool and listening to records until early morning.

“The goal was to stay out all night,” Leonard said.

Current students who have attended prom agree.

“I definitely look forward to the after party more because it is the most memorable part of the night,” Olivia Hammer ’12 said.

This opinion seems to be

widespread among the students of Staples. Jessica Menachemson ’12 also thought that the after-party ended up being her favorite memory.

Suzanne Propp ’81, who is a mother of a Staples junior and a local music teacher, said, “The dances themselves were just okay and even a little awkward.”

The secret to a good night? According to Propp,

it’s simple: don’t do anything stupid, and go with a person you’ll be able to laugh with.

And for boys: “Be gracious to your date’s parents, bring a pretty corsage,” and always stick with your date.

Whether you attended prom in the 70s, 80s, or are preparing to attend your first, every person agrees that their prom memories are, well, unforgettable.

Jessica Menachemson ’12 poses for poolside pre-prom pictures with other members of her prom “group.”

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A Night to Remember... or Forget! (continued from page 6)

Being a little respectful isn’t a bad idea either. Spend some time with your date, make friends with other group members, throw in a few compliments here and there, and you’re all set.

Girls, you can’t always live the life of a Disney princess.

Look down at your feet. Do you see glass slippers? I doubt it.

Lower your standards just a tad bit. Don’t expect guys to be putting their coats over puddles for you. Don’t expect Boys Will Be Boys Not all guys to say exactly what you prom dates will be your want to hear. And don’t exPrince Charming. pect us to make you feel like

the only girl in the world, especially when there are 500 people in the same room.

Ladies, I’m not trying to ruin your dreams of having an incredible experience. I’m just trying to prepare you.

High school guys aren’t always going to be the most romantic and sensitive people in the world.

Keep that in mind.

It doesn’t mean you won’t have a good night. It just means that you won’t be quite as disappointed when your date decides to act like, well, a boy.

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Event Hair and Make Up For All Occasions 616 Post Road East Westport 616 203-454-8600 Post Road East www.vincentpalumbosalon.com Westport

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