By: Jessica Hudnut and Hadi Rahim

On May 13, 2022, Apex High School hosted its first true prom since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Around 750 students gathered at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel to celebrate the 2021-2022 school year coming to a close.

In keeping with this year’s theme, the ballroom was transformed into an enchanted forest for the night. Students entered through a greenery-filled walkway before posing for pictures in front of a hand-painted storybook backdrop. 

Ms. Hoskins, the coordinator of the event, said the planning for Prom had been happening for nearly 3 years because of the pandemic. She said that 2014’s Into the Woods was the inspiration for the decorations.

Beneath the strings of fairy lights hanging over the dance floor, students danced throughout the night to songs ranging from Fergie’s “Fergalicious” to Taylor Swift’s “Lover.”

Each student brought their own style to the event, from pressed suits to sparkling dresses. One student, Zane Gibson, brought the theme to life with a homemade green gown and matching headpiece accented with 212 crocheted flowers and electric lights.

Students were also treated to tables of refreshments including soft pretzels, brownies, lemonade, and more courtesy of the hotel.

Camille Gottholm, a Senior, was incredibly impressed by the effort put into the decorations, which she said were her favorite part of the event. She also gave a piece of advice to new students attending prom next year:

“I would say plan out your evening and I would say, girls, bring a different pair of shoes so you’re not wearing heels while you’re on the dance floor getting trampled by people.”

Yves Michel, another Senior, gave his review of Prom: “Prom was so much fun. I enjoyed seeing my teachers and friends in suits and dresses. My favorite part was at the end; I started crowd surfing and we picked up Goran…and started throwing him in the air.”

Yves’s advice to guys attending prom next year would be to find a prom date early. 

Before the night came to a close, students crowded onto the dance floor to find out which students would be named prom royalty. Representing the Junior class as Prom Prince and Princess were Glenn Lee and Bailey Sigmon, respectively. The title of Prom King was then awarded to Goran Pozder, and the announcement concluded with Aryana Figueroa being crowned Prom Queen.

At the end of the night, each student was given a small succulent of their choice as a prom favor, along with memories of what many look back on as a highlight of the high school experience.