Prom date

published April 14, 2011

in the Stockton Sentinel

Stockton, Kansas

            The Junior Class of Stockton High School treated the Class of 2011 and guests to a splendid night last Saturday, the 9th, as everyone, dressed to the nines, enjoyed “Somewhere With You” – otherwise known as “Prom Night.” It may have been one of the warmest prom nights on record as temperatures were in the low 90s in the afternoon hours when these young men and women got gussied up for the evening. To make matters worse, a strong south wind messed up hairstyles and played havoc with fancy gowns, preventing the use of the decorated walkway that was planned. All those photographs taken on the “promenade” as the attendees were greeted by a crowd of well-wishers are probably not the best shots taken that night.

            It is an amazing transformation that takes place on Prom Night when our young people shed their cutaway t-shirts, baggy shorts, tank tops and flip-flops for tuxedos, evening gowns and five-inch heels. And it is a rite of passage, when all the drama and dollars spent just getting there all come together in one fine evening that may be remembered for life. But kids will be kids, so it is also amazing (but not surprising) how quickly those tux jackets, dress shirts and high heels get tossed aside once everyone is inside.

            Regardless of how much drama may have preceded the event, you should all know that your young people showed a lot of inner beauty and class to match what was obvious on the outside. This event is another time when we can all be thankful for a great, small school, where everyone knows everyone and everyone can have a good time together. These kids mixed and mingled and danced and wiggled the entire time, and no one wanted to leave. The dance floor was busy until the final song at 11 p.m., powered by an energetic D.J. who played a good variety of music and was not afraid to join in the fun.

            A big “thanks” is due to Jayne Prockish and Gina Deutscher for their coordination with the Junior Class in pulling off this event. Many hours were given and many dollars spent in preparation for such a successful evening. Thanks, also, to Junior parents for their assistance, and to Karen LaBarge for the delicious meal that rivaled anything in a fine restaurant. And after the final dance, when everyone got back into their baggy shorts, t-shirts and flip-flops, more parents were there throughout the night, ensuring that everyone had a good time and an abundance of food. Thank you, parents, for your support and time.

            When everything was said and done, gifts given, food and games cleaned up, all of us bleary-eyed revelers headed out into the early morning hours, greeted by a much cooler temperature. As my prom date and I exited the school to head home, the bundle of newspapers that had already been delivered by the back door offered a very precise perspective on just what time it was. It will take us all a few days to recuperate from this event, but what a memorable event it was.