Seniors scramble for cash to pay for big night

    With Prom scheduled for May 30, seniors are beginning to finalize their plans in the hopes of making this year’s “big night” all that they had hoped it would be. However, with the economy in downturn and gas prices skyrocketing, seniors are finding themselves spending more than usual.

    “I have been saving up money to pay for everything,” said senior Skylar Leslie who is in a group of 12. “I have already spent about $300.”

    “I have spent around $400 to $450,” said senior Angela Siler.

    Though some girls splurge for the perfect dress, guys often have to do double duty, paying for dual dinners and dual spots in limos. “I am paying for everything except [my date’s] dress,” said Senior Cameron Schlerman. “I am going to be extremely broke.”

    This year’s Prom, hosted by the Class of 2008 will be at the Waterford in Springfield, following the theme “Springtime in Paris.” The expenses for this year’s prom will add up to $20,000.  The senior class has obtained money through fundraisers but the cost will primarily be paid by revenue from the selling of tickets, which will go for $45 a person this year. Tickets will be sold from May 5 to May 22 during all lunches and after school in room 243.

    High prices are not stopping some seniors from splurging and enjoying the night.

    “It’s a one-time event and it’s senior year,” said senior Colin Mcguire.

    Many seniors have already finalized their plans for Prom, among which include finding a date, transportation, choosing a restaurant, organizing a group, and finding the perfect outfit.

    “My group has already planned whom we are going with, how, and where,” said Leslie. “We are getting a limo and going to Murphy’s, an Irish Pub.”

    “I have been watching what I eat so I don’t have to alter my dress,” said Siler. “I have also been planning what to do at my hairdresser.”  

    Of course, for some seniors it is too soon to start preparations.
 
    “I haven’t done anything,” said senior Rebecca Clayton, who is not making Prom her top priority.
 
    “I don’t have plans yet,” said senior Tyler Nguyen, also behind on Prom preparations. “I haven’t done much because I am having my friends do it for me.”

    Prom falls during a stressful time of the year with IB, AP and Final Exams, SOLs, and college trips all occurring at around the same time. This can make it difficult to keep up with preparation, but many seniors remain undaunted.

    “I am really excited, getting to be with my friends and getting dressed up,” said Siler.

    “It will be fun. It’s the high school thing and I like that we only have a senior Prom; it makes it special; it’s something new,” said Clayton.

    “I am really not excited for the Prom partly because I don’t like to dance unless it’s the Beatles, but I am excited to wear a tux and chill at an Irish Pub with my girlie who will look like a goddess,” said Schlerman. 

    “I am hoping that everyone has a great time and a safe night,” said Spanish teacher and senior class sponsor Maureen Hunt.