By Allison Hurley

It is that time of year again, when all the upperclassmen prepare for a night they will never forget…prom! This year’s prom will be special because it is the first “normal” prom since 2019. Prom will be Friday, May 13 from 8 pm to midnight at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel. 

The main planner for our prom is culinary teacher Mrs. Hoskins. Mrs. Hoskins has been planning prom since 2011. Before Covid-19 began the prom committee had planned on having an Enchanted Forest theme for 2020’s prom, but unfortunately 2020’s prom was canceled and 2021’s was outdoor, only for seniors, and all around abnormal, so it did not have much of a theme. 

The prom committee is made of 10 students who have spent countless hours planning this year’s prom, with the help of Mrs. Hoskins. The committee is planning for 700 students to attend prom. The hotel will be catering the event and serving a buffet style including sparkling punch, charcuterie boards, brownies, soft pretzels, and other orderves for students to enjoy. The food will be included in the $75 ticket cost. 

The Enchanted Forest theme was planned to be 2020’s prom theme before it was canceled, so the committee will finally create their elegant Enchanted Forest this year. The theme was inspired by the 2014 movie Into the Woods. The prom committee drew much of their inspiration from this movie as well as from many classic fairy tales, but mostly Snow White. The ballroom will be decorated with lots of greenery, some of which will be provided by the Apex Future Farmers of America (FFA). Other decorations will be made by the Apex Art department. Mrs. Hoskins says the decorations will, “make you feel like you are in a forest.” Additionally, many teachers have signed up for shifts to chaperone the dance. 

For the first time in three years, Apex students will enjoy a traditional prom. Students are encouraged to wear their best outfit and enjoy a night of dancing with their friends. Upperclassmen who are interested in voting for Prom Court can do so Wednesday, May 11 in their Cougar Class.