For Lamar seniors, prom isn’t just another school dance—it’s the end of their high school journey. While some high school customs have faded, prom will never, as it is considered the most fun night in a high schooler’s career. It’s the last opportunity to dress up nice and enjoy a carefree night with your friends and classmates. As the big night approaches, our seniors share their thoughts on what makes prom unforgettable.

What is prom?

Originally called Promenade, it was created for college boys to show off their money and girlfriends. But girls couldn’t get access to these parties without a date… if you could even call them that—truly, they were just tea parties with fancy dancing and big ornate outfits. Fast forward 85 years later, and prom moved down to rowdy party status for high schoolers. It has become an avid part of the American dream with movies like 10 Things I Hate About You or Pretty in Pink. This evolution gained promposals and prom groups, enhancing its significance. It became such a big thing that there was even a prom at the White House in 1975.

Prom Prices

Many girls are going for unique, expensive dresses for long-lasting photos. The boys, on the other hand, will likely all be wearing similar suits. “I’m really excited for pictures, it’s going to be a time I’m going to want to remember how good I looked,” Lea Jason remarks. Everyone agrees that prom isn’t prom without the attire. For seniors, the biggest cost of the night is the outfit. “Prom is a once-in-a-lifetime event. You don’t get more of these. I think go big or go home. Why not have a dress to commemorate the night and dedicate to prom?” Allison Garcia declares. Despite the stress of planning, the night is typically enjoyable and unique to all.

Here are some other costs that might sneak their way onto your prom to-do list this 2025: Nails – $90, Hair & Makeup – $100, Flowers – $40, Promposal materials – $20, Tickets – $100, Transportation: bus, limo? – $120, Pre-Dinner – $70, Weekend funds – $100.

A Weekend to Remember
Commonly, the ritual for prom is to go to a house, take pictures, go out to eat, and then enjoy the night. While the dresses, parties, and photos add to the excitement, all the seniors can agree that the real magic of prom is about making memories. “It’s about having a great experience and cherishing a special night,” Viviene Higans sums it up. Some may just be going to have a fun night. “I’m excited to have fun and look cute with my girls,” mentions Andrea Diaz. A popular post-prom destination for seniors is Galveston, and Jason is wasting no time heading there. “I have an IB test, so I’m wearing my swimsuit to school and heading straight to the beach after,” said Jason. The energy is through the roof as they dream of their final senior weekend.

Promposals: Cute or Cringe?
Promposals bring in mixed reactions from the seniors. Higans believes they can be sweet if done right but admits some are “cringy and overdone.” To many, a heartfelt promposal is special. “A picnic or something intimate would be perfect,” says Jason. Whereas Diaz prefers a more casual approach, stating, “Catch me at a good moment with flowers, and I’ll appreciate it more.” When asked, many of the boys already had some plans for their promposals, each involving posters, candy, and flowers. Locations were mostly undecided, but based on the girls’ answers, it’ll hopefully be somewhere more intimate than just the Grand Hall.

Prom is more than just a dance; it’s a milestone. Whether it’s portrayed in movies, celebrated at colleges, or even hosted at the White House, prom remains an important tradition. For Lamar seniors, this night is about more than just the perfect dress or an elaborate promposal; it’s about making memories that will last a lifetime. Whether they go all out or keep it simple, one thing is certain: prom is the perfect way to celebrate the end of high school and the beginning of a new chapter.