After Spring Break

Prom or Pass? Is One Night Worth the Price Tag? 

April 8th 2025 

In this interview, I picked three people to interview: someone not going to prom, someone who is, and lastly, someone who has graduated and has past experience.  

The average of the prices of prom come as follows: 

• Prom Tickets $50 – $120

• “Promposal” $40 – $330

• The Prom Dress $85 – $700

• Tux Rental $60 – $130

• Shoes $30 – $150         

• Jewelry and Accessories $45 – $200

• Corsage or Boutonniere $15 – $60

• Hair, Makeup, Nails, and Skincare $50 – $350

"Costs of attending prom are not the same for every girl as it varies per region. You can spend $150 to $2,000 or more attending the event. However, on average, a girl will spend about $900 – $1000 on their big night with all the above-mentioned costs." ("Prom Costs: How to Plan and Budget for Prom 2024") 

The cost of prom is the first thing teens can start to learn how to budget. This year I have decided to buy my prom dress secondhand, and I gave myself a hard limit I could not go over. Also, I am driving myself and eating at an affordable restaurant. Prom does not need to be an expensive endeavor, but those who do not budget wisely will face those consequences. I hope that everyone has a fun prom, whether they spend $150 or $2,000. 

Beyond the Gavel: The Power of Student Diplomacy in Model UN 5/1/2025

Beyond the Gavel: The Power of Student Diplomacy in Model UN 5/1

Model UN is a student-led organization that uniquely teaches students about different cultures, parliamentary procedure, and public speaking skills.  “It serves as a platform for students to engage in simulated diplomatic experiences mirroring real United Nations conferences. Participants assume roles as delegates representing various countries, debating global issues, and crafting resolutions. Experiential learning, one of our school’s main focuses, lies at the core of the MUN club.” (“ Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders: The Transformative Benefits of Model United Nations for Students.”) 

An Interview with the MUN Advisor, Miss Schriever. 

 What did you learn in MUN when you were a student? 

As a student, I model UN taught me how to properly research topics, build a persuasive organization essay, and debate with others in a formal environment. 

What benefits do students gain when they participate in MUN? 

I think students gain many professional skills through Model UN that they can take into their future careers, and they make so many connections outside of their own school through participating in Model UN. 

Model UN has given me more confidence in my speaking and research skills. I have also learned about many different cultures and political stances. MUN requires you to talk professionally and have a grasp of parliamentary procedure. This has helped me in different aspects of my life. Without MUN, I would not have as wide a view of the world and the political aspect of the UN.  

What I Wish I’d Known as a Freshman 05/12/25 

Walking into freshman year is scary, you cling to the friends that you had in middle school, scared that you won't have friends. I was the opposite, and I am happy for that. I let go of my middle school friends and became an "adopted freshman." An "adopted freshman" is when the older students pick you to be their friend, they take you to upperclassmen things, you sit with them exclusively at events, and you aren't considered a freshman to them. I made a lot of lasting and fun memories with the upperclassmen; they helped me navigate high school, they helped me with assignments that I had, and they made me feel wanted. I wish I knew as an incoming freshman to relax and be yourself, some people simply won't like you, and that is okay. You will find people who really enjoy you.  Now, as a senior, I still hang out with friends who have graduated with and now as a senior, I have "adopted a freshman". 

As a freshman, I did everything available for me to do, all the clubs and programs the school had to offer. I wish I knew as a freshman that you don't have to do everything. I was really stressed because you are in a new environment with new people, and adding a lot of things to do made me stressed out. Every weekend, I had something to do for a program, and I didn't have time to be at home and enjoy my time. Lessen your load to things that you are passionate about and that you have time for. Its okay to say no.