Wilsonville High School’s long-awaited prom weekend has nearly arrived, and students have begun intricate preparations. Although prom is most commonly associated with the actual event, which is topped with dancing, dining, and joyful commotion, some students immerse themselves in pre-prom rituals.
As an abundance of nail salon appointments are scheduled and the final selection of dresses, suits, and shoes is selling out, students begin to make the final touches, securing their look for prom.
Although fulfilling all these tasks could evoke a sense of anxiety, Ruby Dean, a junior at WVHS, spoke on the matter and expressed why she enjoys the events occurring before the dance by saying, “You take pictures with your friends, get all dressed up…I think the actual dance part is a letdown…It’s never as fun as you want it to be.”
With prom always seeming to fly by in a blur and finding quality time with friends a challenge, some WVHS students see the preparation phase as a golden opportunity to socialize and bond before the whirlwind begins. For Malia Kaleikilo, a junior at WVHS, the highlight is always the chance to “get ready with a couple friends… getting ready alone can be a bit lonely, so I love having a few people around.”
For Kaleikilo, the preparation process is a journey of self-expression and creativity. She enjoys experimenting with different hair and makeup styles to find the perfect match for her attire. As she puts it, “As long as I have all the [components] to get ready… I just figure it out in the moment.” This personal touch adds a unique flair to her prom experience.
Although historically, prom is depicted as a fantastical night filled with catharsis, dancing, and pure glee, it doesn’t always appear that way in real life. Despite its intended purpose, many students find more joy in the preparation behind the dance. Through a cloud of hairspray and translucent makeup powder lingering in the air, there is an opportunity to make everlasting memories.