A NIGHT OF NIGHTS PROM 2023

On April 29, Wildcats celebrated their “Night of Nights” at the Petersen Automotive Museum, spending the evening accompanied by companions and classmates. Students were able to experience their own High School Musical dream through this year’s prom as they danced the night away and celebrated the final quarter of the 2022-23 school year.

Junior Emily Kim, ASB vice president and one of the main coordinators for the event, described how ASB decided on the theme and location: “As we thought of several different options for the theme, it came down to the theme that held the best options for creativity in both activities and decorations for the venue.” Kim continued, “As for the venue, we visited multiple places and weighed our options. After visiting the Petersen Automotive Museum, seeing how cohesive and stunning the venue was, we immediately knew what to choose.”

In particular, this year’s promenade was themed around the iconic Roaring 1920s, with students adorning feather boas, pearl necklaces and sparkling gowns. Jazzy music, tons of casino games and various entertainment such as the FORZA motorsport racing experience kept students busy throughout the evening.

“While our ‘Roaring Twenties’ theme allowed us to host an elegant prom, the venue allowed us to have creative activities and decorations. The balance of both elegance and excitement definitely set this prom aside from others,” Kim explained.

Before the night officially kicked off, students arrived at West Ranch adorning dazzling gowns and dashing suits. For people with dates, matching corsages and boutonnieres dotted students’ outfits as they walked the carpet. Family members took the opportunity to take photos of their students before their Wildcats were whisked away to dance until their feet hurt.

Prior to transportation to the venue, students arrived in the large gym right before sunset, emotions running high with anticipation and excitement. Just like any other year, students were able to board the buses alongside their friends or dates.

“This prom theme and venue is absolutely beautiful and we were certain it would give such a cool vibe,” said junior ASB president Elizabeth Chaidez, another coordinator for the event.

As students arrived at the automobile museum, various different car models including the 1965 Porsche and even

Lightning McQueen kept students entertained. Vintage cars, silver decor and bright lighting throughout the entire venue kept things interesting for everyone in attendance.

“It was a great venue surrounded by a bunch of awesome cars,” senior Aidan Banayo commented.

Unlike other venues, the Petersen Automotive Museum consisted of three floors for students to explore. The first floor included a coat check, loading zone for buses and sleek black vehicles to admire. On the other hand, the second floor was designated for the car simulator, dance floor, dessert bar, arcade games, seating areas and a photobooth. To keep everyone hydrated, two drink bars with water and lemonade were available.

While the second floor had sweets including cookies, cupcakes and candy, the third floor had a dinner buffet. Upon reaching the top of a large spiraling staircase, students were met with tables full of salad, pasta, potato wedges, chicken and bread rolls. After the meal, a large outside balcony area with tons of tables and drink bars was available for students to sit at and eat with their companions.

In addition to food, the third floor provided casino games to play, a revolving slow-motion photo stand and the chance to simply explore the various cars throughout the location.

“It was a ton of fun being able to see my friends dressed up fancy and to overall have a great time with them,” Banayo explained.

The coronation for Prom Court took place as the night wound down, with the royal Wildcats being crowned at 10 p.m. The court nominees included: Chaz Hilst, Collin Tons, Djovan Velasco, Jo Jojo, Josh Kim, Stuart Soule, Drea Brink, Emily Fairbanks, Gianna Morales, Avery Van Harte, Lexy Hughes and Caroline Dolce. As the prom king and queen were about to be announced, a hush fell over the crowd and suspense grew. Hoots and hollers filled the car museum when Soule and Dolce were crowned as this year’s 2023 king and queen.

But, all good things must come to an end, and as the DJ exchanged upbeat music for songs full of serenity, students finished the night off in the arms of their friends or dates. Not long after, departure from the museum began, and students shucked off their heels and ties and boarded the buses.

Once arriving back on campus, students returned home and hung their outfits up. Sequins missing, threads loose and hair out of whack might signify to any onlookers a crazy night, but a fun one it was.