Junior prom

Junior Prom 2024 

by Garrett Knowles & Scout Ludwig

That special time of year has come and gone yet again. Many students were busy making sure they looked as perfect as possible for such a special occasion. Some went with sparkle and some went with satin. Some people may have even gone with both...all for the perfect night, prom night.

The Event

Junior Prom took place on the 18th of May, 2024, and everyone showed off their stunning prom looks at the Grand March. The Grand March took place at the Central Valley Auditorium with Doozer announcing everyone to the stage. After being announced, everyone was on their way to the prom, where there were many things that the students could do. Outside of the venue there was cornhole, which seemed to be fairly popular. In the basement there was a photo booth where students could get fun photos with their friends at no cost. The photo booth was very popular with everyone, and it had long lines up until the end. Everyone wanted to make sure they had a memento of their special night. 

With Junior Prom comes prom court, and that was no exception this year. We had 3 groups of prom royalty that students could write in their chosen student to win. We had a prom king and queen, prince and princess, and court 1 and court 2. Our winners were Logan Hewitt and Danielle Luke, Derek Newtown and Taylor Durfee, and Greg Durant and Daniela Rueda Sauger (same order). The winners were given a sash and crown to wear for the rest of the night if they wished.  

The Venue

The theme for this year’s Junior Prom was "Rustic Romance." Why might that be the theme? Well, that is because of the venue that the prom was held this year. The prom venue chosen this year was "The Barn on Hyder Creek." This venue is brand new to a Central Valley Junior Prom. This venue often is used for weddings, but occasionally is used for school proms all around the area. Since the barn often is used for such a romantic occasion, it definitely fits the theme that our prom committee chose. 

Students walked into the venue from the bridge on the side of the barn. They walked in to see a sign welcoming them into the barn that read "Welcome to The Barn on Hyder Creek." Just past that was a round table in the middle of the dance floor filled with appetizers. On either side of the dance floor were tables that were neatly decorated with a centerpiece. On the support beams there were white curtains that were hanging very nicely. Almost everywhere you looked there was a string of fairy lights, adding to the rustic romance of the place. 

The Food

Our dinner that was provided at prom was catered by the Waterfront Grille. Some of the options to eat were salads as appetizers, chicken tenders, riggies, meatballs, mini potatoes, and large cupcakes for dessert. 

Advisor Interview

We interviewed one of our advisors that helped put together prom and that was Mrs. Donahue. In her words:

"I think prom was really good. We had a different venue which we were a little nervous about, but I think it turned out great. I think that it was good that we switched it up from Breezes, and had it in a barn and I thought that it didn’t always have to be somewhere expensive. We also had cornhole there for the kids to play, which I think gave them something to do so they did not get bored and weren’t just sitting around. I think the kids had a great time.”