Prom 2012: He Said, She Said
Photo Credit: Jodi Fairchild
Dawson Allen and Heather Wroth, Staff Writers
May 25, 2012
Filed under Features, Student Life, Top Stories
HE SAID
Guys often get pinned as being simplistic, and to a certain extent, it’s true. We are. A guy’s ingenuity and uncanny ability to overlook details always seems to be under the spotlight when prom comes around.
The conciseness of the guys remained true, even in their interview for this piece. Prom is simple and straightforward for guys, with one exception: asking the potential date. “ It stinks because you never know if the girl will say yes and it will be super awkward if she says ‘no’. Major blow to the self esteem,” is what senior David Brown had to say about the pre-prom nerves. Fellow senior Ryan Reilly’s biggest concern also revolved around the girl. “It’s just finding a girl that you know you’re going to have an enjoyable time with that makes it difficult.” Through these quotes, the guy’s prom dilemma is revealed.
As for the practical dynamic of getting to and being at the prom, most gentlemen are like-minded. Bringing a date with a group of friends seems to be the preferred method. Once the fellas actually get to the prom, their attention shifts to one of two things: food or dancing. Word to the wise, ladies: if you’ve got a really great date he can think about both at the same time.
Some may value the chap’s simplicity; others view it as a federal crime. The reality of it all is that most guys view prom with an unassuming perspective and are just looking to enjoy the night with fellow classmates.
SHE SAID
There is only one word that can set CCA buzzing like “prom” can. This one event evokes images of corsages, limos, and endless dresses. Girls dream of their prom from their childhood, and why shouldn’t they? It’s the one night that girls transform into princesses and dance the night away with their prince charming.
There is much to do to get ready for such a special night. The boys have no idea. The preparation for prom starts months before with the initial research. There are endless websites to help in the search for the perfect dress, hairstyle, shoes, make up and everything in between. “I’ve probably spent a whole day’s worth of time looking online at prom stuff,” said junior Brianna Downey. “At least 24 hours!” Fellow junior, Jeanette Gonzalez, prefers going to stores to find what she likes. She said, “I went to three stores before I found my dress.”
After girls know what they like and want, they are ready to go out and shop. “I went to a lot of stores for my dress, shoes, and accessories,” said Downey. Stores like Group USA, Bloomingdales, Cache and websites like Promgirl.com are favorites among prom goers. This year, some of CCA’s seniors created a prom dress Facebook group where everyone posted a picture of their dress to avoid the most prom blunder-matching dresses. As soon as they found the perfect dress, the girls immediately posted the picture to Facebook, to get others opinions and to make sure that no one else bought it.
The only part of Prom that the girls can’t plan is getting a date. This year, there were many creative “Prom proposals.”
“Luke Porier asked me to prom,” said Gonzalez. “He decorated my locker. Someone took me up to the fourth floor to it, and I casually opened it, not expecting anything. There was a big sign that said ‘Jeanette, will you go to prom with me?’ I turned around and Luke was standing behind me with a giant heart that said ‘Prom?’ but it was covering his face so I couldn’t tell that it was him. When he lowered the paper heart, and asked me again, I said yes. He gave me a bouquet of flowers and everyone in the hallway clapped.”
Although many students paired up for prom, there were many girls who went with their friends. “I would have been excited to have been asked, but I was equally happy to have gone with my other single friends,” said Downey. When the big day finally arrives, the real preparation starts. Both girls agree that it takes about four hours to get ready.
“I don’t need the whole day. I wake-up, give myself a facial, get my nails done, then relax and maybe watch a movie. Then I do my hair and make up. About an hour before, I put on my dress and take care of those last minute details,” said Downey. Her friend’s plan is similar. She said, “I wake up, go to school, come home and eat. Then I start doing my make-up and go get my hair done. When I get back home, I put my dress and shoes on. My friends and I meet somewhere to take pictures. Finally, I get in the limo and go to prom.”
This dream night doesn’t come cheap. It seems there is an age old, or maybe just prom old, battle of the sexes over who spends more on this night. Hairstylists, tailors, manicurists and make-up artists all have to be paid. Gonzalez said, “When I was completely done shopping, I probably spent around $350. My dress was $250, not including alterations and accessories, plus I had to pay for someone to do my hair.”
Downey said, “My dress was around $150, the ticket was $100, and a little extra for the accessories and nails, so I probably spent a little bit over $250.”
Prom is more than a dance; it is a night to celebrate what God has done in our lives at CCA. “I’m excited about the fellowship that comes with prom, enjoying the last time we have with the seniors before they graduate,” said Downey.