![“We are all dreaming about finally finishing [high school],” says Malwina, a 12th grader.](https://internationalchangemaker.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Dark-Green-Modern-Graduation-Presentation-1200x674.jpg)
On the 26th of April EF’s 3rd annual prom will be held at Bella Blanca Event Center in North Hollywood. Over the last few weeks, preparations for the big day have been in full swing. Prom dresses have been ordered, suits have been brought to the dry cleaners, dresses have been hemmed, and walking in high heels has been practiced, all to make sure prom will be an unforgettable night.
The theme, Celestial Soirée, was chosen by a senior vote after the Campus and Community Service Leadership program helped brainstorm ideas. “It’s really a school-wide effort,” said Ms. Kaitlyn, who oversees the logistics with Ms. Jodie. “The students help pick the music, the theme, and we try to make sure everyone feels included in the experience.”
The evening will begin at 5:20PM on campus, with students arriving at the venue by 6:00PM, where everyone will be greeted with sparkling cider and enjoy a buffet-style dinner before hitting the dance floor at 7:30PM. An international DJ who regularly performs in Paris will get the energy going with a playlist curated from students’ song requests. For those looking to capture memories, there will be a photobooth and a 360° photo station inside.
Some students questioned the $120 ticket price, especially when other school events are free, but Ms. Kaitlyn clarified that “the venue alone costs $30,000. We try to make prom as affordable as possible. American proms often cost much more, and every cent from the ticket sales goes directly to making this night special.” Unlike many American schools, where prom is only for juniors and seniors, EF opens the event to all grades. “We want everyone to have this experience,” she assed. “Especially for students who are only here for one year.”
A highlight of the night will be the announcement of the Royal Court, based on nominations aligned with the school’s core values rather than traditional gender roles. “We’re not doing prom king and queen,” said Ms. Kaitlyn. “It’s more about celebrating students who show leadership, kindness, and community spirit.” Two of the five court spots are reserved for seniors, while the rest are open to all grade levels. Winners will be crowned at 9:00PM, and the night will wrap up by 10:30, with everyone back on campus by 11:00PM.
Prom, short for “Promenade”, started back in the late 1800s as an extravagant college event, inspired by debutante balls, where students dress up to show good manners and social skills. By the early 1900s, high schools picked up the idea, and prom became a yearly tradition for juniors and seniors—though at first, it was pretty simple and was usually held in school gyms. After World War II, prom became a lot more popular, turning into the big, glamorous night we know today, with tuxedos, gowns, limos, and hotel ballrooms.
But prom also has a pretty ugly history—not all students were welcome. During the civil rights era and even decades after, many schools, especially in the South, held segregated proms for white and Black students, and some kept doing it until the early 2000s.
Since the 1980s, prom has been a huge part of teen culture, showing up in many of movies and shows, and nowadays it’s more inclusive too, with things like promposals, theme nights, and space for everyone, including LGBTQ+ students and others.
