In this article, Bella gives an overview of this year's prom and provides an inside perspective through the minds of GPHS students.
It is once again prom season: flowers are blooming, the sun is out, and seniors are ready to graduate. To help compensate for the constant flow of academic tasks flooding the lives of students in the final stretch of the school year, schools choose to host the largest dance of the year around this time. This indeed helps to uplift the spirits of students and staff alike. This year, GPHS chose the date of Sat., Apr. 25 to bring the local high school population back to life. As GPHS's third and final dance, the theme song of the Great Gatsby movie brought an elegant end to the school year. Prom was hosted in the GPHS Commons from 8-11 p.m. The ticket cost was $35 for singles and $60 for couples.
With separate dessert and charcuterie bars, a dirty soda station, and photos, all for free, the dance was worth every penny. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, while pearls and feathers decorated the tables. Furthermore, the DJ kept most everyone on their feet with his song choices. These included a mix of "Fantasy" by Mariah Carey, "Footloose" by Kenny Loggins and, unsurprisingly, "FE!N" by Travis Scott. The prom king and queen were also announced, with the decision coming from Prom attendees who had voted for their pick and placed it in a ballot box on their way to the Commons. Britney Fisher was crowned Prom Queen, and Nate Basset was crowned king.
2026 GPHS Prom attendee Riley Jetmore had a blast at prom. While she liked the theme of Great Gatsby, Riley wished that more students had dressed up to match the era. Her favorite part of the dance was the free photos, and she prefers going to dances with a group, so that “when you get lost or... people start leaving, you always have somebody to hang out with.” Jetmore likes that juniors and seniors have a dance dedicated to them because she believes that upperclassmen put a lot of effort into their schoolwork, and they deserve a celebration. Abby Hanson also appreciated this year’s prom theme, and she followed it. Her favorite part of prom is being with her friends. She, too, likes that juniors and seniors have a dance to themselves.
Overall, this year's prom was a hit. Great Gatsby was a wonderful decision for our prom theme, leaving many with a night that will be remembered for years to come. Those who did not attend this year’s prom should show up next year if they are eligible... because they usually give out free food. Free food is really cool, especially the dessert kind. Prom rocked, y’all.
Interview with Abby Hanson
Interview with Riley Jetmore