Everyone is buzzing about prom, and Lake is more than ready for it to arrive! This year’s theme is Old Hollywood, and the big night is happening on May 17. 2025. 

Tickets are available for purchase at the business office until May 16. With ASB, it’s $60 per ticket, and $65 without—a price many students find high. Despite costs, Vikings still believe its worth it to attend. 

Prom is more than just an unforgettable night – it results from extensive planning and effort. From organizing the night itself with arranging decorations and selecting music that will keep everyone on their feet to the attendees dedicating significant amounts of time to picking dresses or suits, booking hair and nail appointments, and making dinner reservations. 

But what do the students have to say about prom and the planning process?

Many Vikings express excitement for prom, despite the extensive list of things they have to accomplish before the night is here. They have high hopes for the night, and are enthusiastic about dressing up, dancing, and enjoying time with friends. 

“Everybody needs to pop out and show out,” senior Isabella Agbonselobho said. According to her, the venue, Meydenbauer Center, is great, but she’s hoping for good music most of all. 

Others express more interest in making memories with fellow students, like junior Ethan Rosenberg. He says that it’s important to stay in the moment, and photos don’t have to be high quality, as they’re really just “something to look back on”.

Theme

This year, vintage-style decorations, timeless outfits, and high-class style will be front and center with the Old Hollywood theme. While it can be difficult to select a prom theme that satisfies everyone, Old Hollywood might be the least controversial pick in a long time. 

Senior Easton Munger described this year’s theme as “pretty sweet”, saying, “You can never go wrong with that classic.”

Attire

Most Vikings say that it’s not important to match your dress or suit to the theme, although it can serve as an extra special touch. For those attending with a date, they often share more interest in matching their date, rather than matching the theme.

Before the big night, most girls spend days deciding on the perfect hairstyles and nail designs, making sure every detail is just right. 

But the dress? That’s an even bigger decision. While some find their dream dress within days or weeks, others take months searching for the perfect one. Agbonselhobo, for instance, shared that it took her ¨five months¨ to find hers. Regardless of how long the process takes, every girl wants to look and feel her best when prom finally arrives.

It’s not only the girls who go all out for prom— the guys do too! While some opt for a suit they already own, others invest in a brand-new one, sometimes at a hefty price. Some choose classic bow ties while others prefer long ties, and a few even skip the tie altogether. No matter their style, every guy wants to look sharp and step onto the dance floor feeling confident.

Promposals

In the spirit of prom season, LSHS is hosting a promposal contest! As many people know, a major part of attending prom with a date is the promposal— a prom proposal. Typically, these proposals include a poster, some flowers, or another grand gesture to ask someone to prom officially. 

Traditionally, these proposals are done by a guy for a girl, and many Vikings agree with this tradition. Some guys even have fun putting together a promposal for their date.

“I like promposals. It’s like a fun little project,” Rosenberg said. “For my girlfriend, it’s her senior year, she’s gonna be leaving, so I’d like to make somewhat of a big deal out of it, and I think the promposal would mean a lot to her.”

And a few students say they think the bigger the promposal, the better. 

“The big proposals are the best,” Agbonselobho said. “The tiny ones, they’re cute too, you know, but I want something that says ‘boom’.” 

Munger agrees as well, saying that big, public promposals are “great” but personally, he doesn’t think the size of the gesture “matters too much”.

What does matter, however, is ensuring there is a promposal, as many students believe they should be expected when you have a date for prom. 

Dinner

Students at Lake Stevens enjoy dining out with their friends or going on dates, choosing from a variety of restaurants. Some opt for casual spots with quick-easy meals, while others prefer upscale dining experiences for a special occasion. 

Munger states that he would prefer a fancy dinner because ¨fancier dinners are rare, and you don’t get to have them all the time¨. He also suggested Din Tai Fung as a great dining option for prom.

Agbonselhobo believes that location doesn’t matter-as long as she´s with friends. Whether it’s eating at home with some snacks or a homemade meal, as long as she´s having fun with her friends, that’s what matters most. 

Going out to dinner with friends is more than a meal, but an experience. No matter if it´s casual, fancy, or a local diner, it’s all about the laughs shared between friends and the memories created with one another.

Pictures 

Prom photos capture some of the most memorable moments of this special night. From glamorous outfits to funny poses, these pictures are reminders of the heartfelt times and excitement shared during prom. 

Munger agrees that photos should be taken at a special location for a special occasion. Not only does he feel that going out to take pictures makes it memorable, but taking those pictures will be more personal.  

“Most of the photos will likely be personal, but we might also go out. Last year, we visited Snohomish and snapped a few pictures, so we might do the same again. Hopefully, there will be professional photographers available,” Rosenberg said.

As students plan their photo sessions, location and timing play a key role in capturing the perfect shot. Most students agree that photos should be taken before dinner to ensure their hair, makeup and outfits look fresh. Taking pictures beforehand also helps them avoid the hassle of touching up their appearance later, especially since many consider themselves messy eaters.

Prom is an unforgettable night, filled with laughter, cherished memories, and great times with friends. From stunning dresses and sharp suits to flawless makeup and perfect hair, the excitement builds as everyone gets ready. The evening continues with delicious dinners, countless pictures and dancing till your feet fall off. 

It´s a celebration not to be missed.