The night is young, feelings are high, and memories are everywhere. Senior Prom specializes in creating final remembrances before everyone parts ways. Students and staff are emotional for all the twelve years of high school, middle school, and elementary school led up to this meaningful night at Presidential Caterers.
Prom started at six and the theme for this year was ‘City of Stars.’ The banquet hall had crystal gems dangling from the ceiling, catching the light and casting shimmering reflections across the floor like distant constellations. All students were excited to dance and sing their hearts out to artists from Bad Bunny to Katy Perry.
The partygoers showed out with elegant gowns and suits. They didn’t just walk into the hall, they owned it. They brought out the stylish and vibrant look of the hall with a sophisticated energy that signaled they were no longer the children they used to be.
Feelings were through the roof as the night passed by. The night was like a starry sky reflecting how much they had grown.
“My freshman year, I was so naive. I was so bubbly and friendly, I still am, but I stand my ground and boundaries,” said Kevin Montes.
The sense of growth was felt deeply by the faculty as well. Dr. McGriff, NAHS principal, started off doing things differently this year, reflecting the unique journey of the seniors by visiting the kindergartners during their ‘prom’ then seeing the seniors all grown up.
“I’m really excited about the seniors, they’re an amazing class. They’re part of an amazing tradition,” Dr McGriff said. “You know we all went and survived COVID together, now here we are standing.”
Between songs, the students reminisced about teachers who were there for them and inspired them and shaped their paths. Tyler Ronca looked back on his time in the classroom with a sense of purpose, especially in Adam Irvine’s class.
“He really inspired me to be the teacher that I want to be,” said Tyler Ronca.
But as much as the night was about looking back, the horizon of the future was impossible to ignore. While some students felt the tug of nostalgia, others were ready to sprint toward the exit.
“I’m most excited about getting out of that school and living my life to the fullest,” said Samora Vouse.
When asked for advice for the underclassmen following in their footsteps, Jared Cedano Carmona advised them to expect things to go by fast and Vouse offered a more direct command, to ‘lock in’.
The highlight of the evening came after eating. Class of ‘26 officers called up to the nominees for prom king and queen, and suddenly, tension rose. They crowned Jaylen Traylor and the room erupted. After a pause that felt like an eternity, Noelani Cruz was called up as prom queen.
“It feels very surreal,” Traylor said. “I had a feeling I’d win, but you know, I lost Mr. Norristown and I lost homecoming. It really didn’t feel like it was actually gonna happen. I’m just really surprised I feel like I’m in a dream right now.”
Cruz, reflecting on her time with the cheer team, described the win as the perfect “last hoorah” before graduation.
As the final songs played, the seniors danced with a desperate kind of joy, moving like there was no tomorrow. Everyone’s future paths look different, whether it’s college, a trade, the military, or even going straight to work, each future will look bright and successful.
“College or anything past it, learning is a lifelong practice. You don’t have to have a college degree, you don’t need anything more than an open mind, resources, and the willingness to learn,” said Dr. McGriff.
