Hello Great Bend Juniors and Seniors, it is time to put your votes in for a 2022 prom theme. This year’s Prom Theme choices are…. Roaring 20’s, Enchanted Forest, and Hollywood! So be sure to vote!

Some of you may be wondering, What exactly is prom? Why do we have a prom? Well, I am wondering the same thing. So, without further adieu, let’s get into the story.

Prom is a formal dance typically for high school students. It is an event commonly held towards the end of the school year. For seniors, prom marks the end of school and serves as a symbol of four years of learning, friendship, and school spirit.

“I am planning to go to prom this year and I’m excited that I’ll be a senior doing it. It feels like something I’ve earned through hard work. I am most excited about spending time with friends during prom.” said Great Bend High School Kevin Gonzalez, “I am hoping for roaring twenties because of the gold theme surrounding it. I love bright stuff with a more fancy approach to it, which is why roaring twenties is my pick.”

Prom first originated in the early 1800s, it was first know as the promenade. The primary purpose of the prom was for young men to show their newly found manners and social standing. Then, by the 1930s prom became more of a social event and it was now for 17-18 year old high school students, instead of 21-22 year old college graduates. Although the promenade was primarily a celebration for social standing and wealth, the ‘prom’ was primarily an event to to teach young women and men how to fit into their assigned “gender roles.”

Most of what prom is about is; dates, romance, friendship, prom dresses, tuxedos, dinner, and of course dancing. prom usually lasts up to 3 hours, where teachers attend and get to hang out with their students. Once this ends, the real party begins with the “after-prom”, where no parents or teachers are invited and all students can dance and enjoy their time.

“I have no idea if I’m going to prom or not and I’m most excited to see all of my friends all dressed up.” said Great Bend High School junior Kaleigh Sheets, “The theme I am hoping for is enchanted forest because it is something different than the theme for hollyball last year.”

So, prom is about hanging out with your friends/significant other, and just having fun. I hope that everyone learned something new about prom. Have a great day!