Prom is a popular American high school tradition that typically involves dancing, opportunities for photos, and food. It customarily takes place in the spring and is a prominent social gathering for upperclassmen to spend time with their friends and partners.
Prom is often accepted as a “rite of passage” for American teenagers and in pop culture. Millions of students go to their school’s prom each year, and the cowboys/cowgirls here at Canyon are no different!
This year, our prom was held at Camarillo Ranch on May 29, 2025. The venue was breathtaking, filled with history and decorated to fit our theme: “Garden of Lights.”
Canyon’s ASB Director, Miss Des, explained how the two tied together: “Since Camarillo Ranch was outdoors, had lots of greenery, and lighting, the ASB students chose a variety of garden themes. They came up with names of themes and sent them out to the students to vote for!”
And vote, they did! The turnout and overall enthusiasm for prom this year did not disappoint. Miss Des noted that about 500 upperclassmen paid for a ticket, the makeup of which was 22% juniors and 77% seniors.
One senior, Joseph Sanchez, detailed his thoughts on the event: “I thought the venue was really cute and had some fun activities.” At Camarillo Ranch, they had a photobooth area near the entrance, where everyone could line up to take timed photos and have them printed and/or sent to them via text. They also had an area for games with mock gambling tables set up, along with an indoor dancing area.
Sanchez continues, “I think that prom is one of the more important events to students because it is close to the end of the school year, which makes people anticipate it.” Prom is an occasion that students take weeks preparing for by choosing outfits, asking out partners, and getting excited! So, it’s no wonder this event is by far the most expensive and major dance of the year.
Junior Elise Haupt added her thoughts: “I’d say this was a memorable event, but mainly because of the people that attended with me. My favorite parts of the night were the smaller moments, like sitting and eating while talking, or watching people dance and have their own moments together.”
As a junior as well, I see prom as not only a social event but also a celebration of our time so far at Canyon. We get to attend with our partners and friends, acknowledging our accomplishments thus far in our careers. Prom reminds us to take a step back and have fun by choosing glittering outfits, eating filling food, and screaming “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar at the top of our lungs with our fellow classmates!
