By Taylor Cheek
From venues to photographers, dresses to decor, there is so much that goes into planning the perfect prom. WHHS English teacher, Matthew Parent has been organizing the 2023 prom since November of 2022. A lot of effort goes into the smallest of details; the decorations, the caterers, the photo booth, the table toppers, the flowers, and the parting gifts. Everyone is excited about this upcoming prom. It’s special because it’s only the second prom since COVID-19 hit, and this is Parent´s second prom that he has planned.
The process of throwing a spectacular prom is no easy feat. Parent says he has prepared for the ’23 prom night for six months straight. One of the biggest struggles was getting all the decorations. Whether they were on back order or out of stock, Parent still found a way to get everything that the students needed to throw the biggest party of the year. Ordering what he needed from Amazon and sending all the receipts to the bookkeeper was a tedious process. Parent said, “by the time it would get to the bookkeeper and she went to order it, it wouldn’t be available or it would be out of stock.” This was a frustrating process for both the prom committee and Parent. Over 350 people have already purchased prom tickets; one of the biggest attendances ever seen for a prom at West. The theme of “A Garden Masquerade” was hand-picked by the prom committee earlier in the year. The committee, with the overwhelming support of Parent and WHHS administration, has orchestrated what they feel is one of the best proms West has ever seen. In the end, Parent was able to get everything, all the decor, the tickets, the food, the venue, and even helped get dresses for students who needed them. We are all very excited about prom, and especially excited to see what the prom committee has set up. As Parent works very hard preparing for prom, they are at the home stretch. With prom coming up tomorrow night, we are all anxious and excited to see what all the hard work brings. Mr. Manuel did say that attendance for the day still counts, but many think there will be a lot of absences since prom is on a Friday night this year, and not on a Saturday. It takes time to get all the hair and nails done. No matter the roadblock, the prom committee and Parent are prepared and ready as they can be for this upcoming prom. This cohort of students has missed out on a lot due to COVID-19, so hopefully, this year’s prom will truly be a night to remember for all. Student safety is a priority and principal Luke Manuel advises all drivers to be careful going up Jeter Mountain at night and take caution coming back down the mountain coming home.
