Not your parents’ prom: One school’s transforming prom culture
Editor’s Note: This article was written for Mosaic, an independent journalism training program for high school students who report and photograph stories under the guidance of professional journalists.
Andria Ho and her friends giggle and strike silly poses early on a Sunday morning as a professional photographer captures the moment.
“Let’s walk and pretend to laugh!” called out Ho to her pack, all seniors at Evergreen Valley High School in San Jose. It’s just days before that rite of passage — the senior prom — and they’re already busy making memories before walking into Hayes Mansion in San Jose.
Many things about prom are the same from years past: formal dresses and tuxes, corsages and photos. But at Evergreen, like schools across the country, more teens view prom very differently than how their parents did. One of the biggest changes is opting to go with friend groups instead of a traditional date.
“Because it’s senior year, I prefer to make more memories with my longtime friends instead of dedicating my time all to one person,” senior Kayla Lam said.
Evergreen’s activity director Virginia Yenter recalls her own prom almost 24 years ago when “everyone had to have a date.” She describes a shift that’s eased social pressure as prom evolves into more of a community experience. “We’ve done a really great job at being … more friend-centered and more inclusive for everybody.”
Changing times for prom royalty
When school Principal Kyle Kleckner, 37, looks out at the dance floor, he sees a stark difference from his own prom experience as a gay student. Now instead of only straight couples, Kleckner spots couples and friend groups of “different genders and orientations and they’re welcomed and accepted.” To support inclusivity, Evergreen has replaced “prom king and queen” with “prom royalty.”
One senior who’s bisexual feels welcomed on Evergreen’s campus but she’s cautious outside of school. She doesn’t want to be identified. We’ll call her G. Both she and her date plan on wearing dresses and corsages at the schoolwide event. “No one looks at a gay couple at prom and says ‘eew,’” said G. “People are becoming more comfortable with who they are,”
There still is a place for attending this once-in-a-lifetime event with a traditional date. Longtime couple Lilly Nguyen and her date Luke Nguyen (no relation) enjoy traditions such as wearing matching outfits. Luke said, “I think going to prom with a date is very cute. Prom is structured with a romantic atmosphere in mind.”
Heading Online
Several other trends are transforming prom culture. Take attire. Classic long, formal dresses are in but instead of those tedious mall trips, some students shop for them online.
Senior Vivian Lam shared her digital experience. “It allows us to have a variety of options than the stores in real life,” Lam said. Luke Nguyen agrees. “I bought my suit online and prayed it [would] fit.” They’re both willing to trade the risk of online purchases for a faster shopping experience.
Another shift — those grand promposals in front of a crowd are going more private. Lilly Nguyen remembers the intimacy of her recent promposal, “Luke asked me to prom with a poster and flowers at the beach. It was very sweet!” Other students describe these more private moments as a more memorable part of prom.
Teens are turning to social media like TikTok and Instagram to discover entertaining, creative twists for everything from promposals to photos to outfits. Michelle Nguyen incorporated creative promposal ideas for an artsy poster that she saw on TikTok. “They all add a sense of fun leading up to the event,” she said.
Prom Tickets are Hot
At Evergreen, trends may change but prom but is just as popular as ever. School officials expect a full house at the Hayes Mansion on Saturday with 681 seniors who have bought tickets. “It’s been successful; our numbers are higher than ever before,” Yenter said.
Evergreen’s Principal Kleckner is struck by the power of prom’s message for teens as they explore their identities. “It warms my heart at prom when I see … that they are supporting one another,” he said. “Kind of like saying no big deal, we’re all here together, we’re all here to have fun.”
Senior Paul Nguyen views prom as bittersweet, a night to pack away memories for a lifetime. “I hope to remember the conversations and laughter that I will have with my friends before everyone leaves for college.”
Lianne Catbagan is a junior at Evergreen Valley High School in San Jose.
How much does prom cost?
The cost of prom is another factor changing Evergreen Valley’s prom culture. Senior Kayla Nguyen notes that seniors are investing more and more in prom with expensive corsages and boutonnieres, photo shoots, and even promposals.
Nguyen dislikes the trend. “I believe that prom doesn’t have to be this large scale,” she said. “Outfits can be thrifted or bought for cheap, promposals can be simple, and there’s no need to splurge on expensive photo shoots.”
Typical costs for Evergreen Valley prom
Tuxedo: starting from $200
Senior prom tickets: $110 to $150
Dress: $115 to $312
Nails: $30
Prom pictures: $28 each
Shoes and accessories: Many people borrow from family members