Edmond Memorial High School’s 2025 prom was a smashing success on Saturday, April 26. Prom, which was from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m., fulfilled the hopes of many, especially seniors graduating in May. As an event that many often prepare for throughout the day, prom is a memorable high school experience.
The theme for prom, “Under the Sea,” was announced a few weeks before the event. Although some may find the theme juvenile, it was an unforgettable classic. The decorations were simple and classy, so despite the whimsical “Under the Sea” theme, it was not overly extravagant. Prom also took place at the Hilton Garden Inn convention center, a significant change from last year’s prom, which was held at the school.
While the event is only a few hours long, many students spend the entire day preparing for the evening. Some meet early to finish all their “to-dos” for the day. It has become more common to eat brunch before doing the traditional “hair and makeup” so that friends can be together for most of the day. More commonly, before the main event, groups or couples will plan to take photos to remember a special day when they dressed up in extravagant gowns and tuxes and spent time with friends outside of school. Some locations used for taking photos include the Myriad Botanical Gardens, the Oklahoma State Capitol, Chisholm Creek and downtown Edmond.
Most people also find a nice restaurant to eat dinner at before prom to further commemorate the evening of fun and celebration as the end of the school year nears. Popular places to dine this year and in past years include Othello’s Italian Restaurant, Charleston’s Restaurant, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill and Olive Garden.
Normally organized by a committee specifically for prom, some students were disappointed by the cost of prom tickets, a shocking $40 per person. If attending with a date, as many do, there was no discount for couples, making prom cost a whopping $80 on top of the price of a nice dinner. Although prom is an extravagant event that many spend nearly an entire day preparing for, it is not uncommon for couples or groups to spend little time at the dance itself, and instead spend time together when taking pictures and enjoying a meal. However, despite the price of tickets, the atmosphere of the convention center certainly fulfilled the desires of many, with a dance floor, refreshments and a DJ, which were likely paid for by the cost of tickets.
The DJ played several songs that prom goers recognized and received generally positive reactions from those who danced. However, some wished for a larger variety of current or well-known music. For example, I noticed that the largest number of students who danced at once danced to “Cupid Shuffle” and “Cha Cha Slide.”
At the end of prom, attendees were offered keychains and bubble wands as memorabilia of the evening. Although the gifts were not entirely necessary, some may have been disappointed by the trinkets because of the gifts offered in the past, such as t-shirts and reusable cups.
In total, prom is an experience that many treasure, and this year’s prom was generally worthwhile for those who attended. While there are other events before and following prom, the EMHS prom was picturesque with everything one could expect.
Contact Esther Wood at [email protected]
