After an overload of stress from dress shopping, suit tailoring and bouquet arranging, Plano Senior’s annual prom dance for the senior class has come to a close. Prom season can only be described as unforgettable, with students stepping onto the dance floor in their finest attire, lighting up the night with confidence and individuality.
My entire Saturday was booked with prom preparations, from the moment I woke up to when I returned home that night. My alarm was set for 8 a.m., when I left to meet my friends for flower shopping. I spent hours arranging my bouquet to perfection, frustration growing by the minute. Afterwards, I began the process of getting ready well in advance of the dance itself, which isn’t uncommon for prom-goers. Unfortunately, even with the early start, I still fell behind schedule and had limited time to finish everything.
Then came the hassle of pictures. Even though we only had half an hour before our dinner reservation, I think our photos came out great, considering the rush. With four years of homecoming experience, I’ve found that keeping a small group of friends makes decisions—like where to take photos or eat dinner—so much easier. But even the best-laid plans couldn’t prevent unexpected mishaps, like when I somehow caught three fingers in the car door before we left or when the sprinklers sprayed us mid-photo.
The dance was held at the Plano Event Center, with seniors flooding the building in waves of excitement. My group and I arrived a little over an hour after the dance began. Throughout the night, I couldn’t help but notice the new trend of ruffle-tiered dresses, many of which ignored the “Masquerade” theme, along with a repetitive string of controversial song choices echoing over the dance floor.
As the night progressed, anticipation for the student-elected prom royals built. When Logan Brower was crowned king and Zoey Forsvall queen, the crowd erupted into a chaotic mix of cheers and divided opinions. Once the royals were announced and the room’s energy began to mellow, my group decided to slip out about 30 minutes before the official end. My feet ached as I, quite literally, inched my way to the parking lot.
Unlike most post-prom plans, which usually involve after-parties filled with loud music and overstimulation, my friends and I took a different route. We piled into the car and drove to the Buc-ee’s in Melissa, craving snacks, caffeine and a quiet place to unwind. We stayed longer than expected, laughing in the aisles, sitting in the car and debriefing our night. I didn’t get home until almost 2 a.m., tired but satisfied, knowing I had spent my one and only prom exactly how I wanted to.
