If you look up Prom in the dictionary, this is what you’ll find: “Prom is a formal dance held by a high school at the end of the academic year, typically for students in their junior or senior year.”

Prom has been an event at Orono High School for decades. This year, the date of the dance is May 23rd, 2025. This year the theme for prom is the City of Stars. Prom will be held at 7:00 pm at The Metropolitan Ballroom & Clubroom in Golden Valley, MN. The grand march will be held an hour before the dance so students can show off their gowns and tuxedos and even pose for a formal photo with their date.

“For seniors, prom night serves as a symbol of four years of learning, friendship, and school spirit, and it’s frequently the last time the entire class is all together before graduation. Prom, along with graduation, marks the conclusion of high school and the beginning of adulthood for students. It’s an experience that students will never forget” writer Natalie Wilson said.

For the first time in a long time, Orono has a Prom Court this year: a group of students who were voted to represent the school for Prom. There are sixteen students, two of which are voted to be the prom king and queen. Woody Field, George Perkins, Carsen Burckhardt, Brady Wooley, Henry Shafer, Axel Duke, Nolan Groves, Nolan Jensen, Abigail Daugherty, Ashley Ishaug, Este Ryskamp, Zoe Lopez, Sulli Neubauer, Lauren Masica, Anna D’Alessandro, and Madeline Dent are the Prom Court members.

The Prom Committee, Orono Student Senate, and staff members put a lot of effort into Prom. The fact that Orono gets to rent out a fancy ballroom including reserved tables with food, a dance floor, poker tables, desserts, and even a photobooth, are all part of why Prom is so memorable for students.

“I like how our prom is not located at our high school, I like how our school takes it really seriously and puts lots of time and effort into it. Last year I had a lot of fun with my friends and date. I really appreciate how we are able to bring people who do not go to Orono or a past graduate student to the dance” senior J.T. Burns said.

For juniors and seniors at Orono, Prom represents a big event in their high school journey. Prom is beneficial for students because they spend time with all of their friends, make new friends, and enjoy themselves as the stressful school year ends with a fun event. It allows seniors who attend to celebrate their high school accomplishments before going off to college or whatever they plan to do post-high school.

Some seniors regret not going to Prom last year.

“I have never been to Prom and I really regret not going last year. Last year all my friends were trying to convince me to go to prom and I decided not to go. I know I already said this but I really regret not going, I am going this year for sure because I heard it was a lot of fun and I heard that there are poker tables. I love black jack. It is my only hobby to do outside of school, I play everyday” senior Max Johnson said.

For juniors, Prom is a new and exciting event.

“I have not been to Prom. This is my first year, I am a junior this year. What I have heard from upperclassmen is that it is much more enjoyable than the other dances they have had earlier in the year when they include the younger students. I am not really sure what to expect but I am excited to experience it and most importantly I am looking forward to going with my friend group” junior Lilah Rice said.

With Prom, as well as the end of the school year being only a few weeks away, the atmosphere at school begins to lighten up, causing many students to look forward to the end of the year.

Prom is memorable for those who attend the dance. Bringing all upperclassmen together and creating memories that many will remember for the rest of their lives. Particularly for seniors, it gives them the opportunity to get together with their classmates before everyone goes on to the next chapter of their lives.