Ayala’s “Great Gatsby” themed prom dance was held at the Los Angeles Union Station on Saturday, April 18 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The night was filled with excited students, dancing, activities, and food, inviting senior and junior students to celebrate a night of memorable excitement and fun.
Students lined up in Union Station, ready to start the night off strong, as teacher chaperons and their plus ones greeted the attendees with smiles. A new method for checking students in was implemented by using 5-Star and having each individual enter their student identification number. After a quick screening, the process allowed for speed and efficiency, leading to fast lines so that students didn’t have to wait to enjoy their prom night.
“I was really excited for prom to start,” said Ashley Chang (12). “The lines went by pretty quickly and I when I entered the venue, it was beautiful.”
Upon entry, students were greeted by flashing lights, a desert bar, a caricature area, a photo booth, a pool table, and a vibrant dance floor. Union Station itself features Mission Moderne architecture with high ceilings, Art Deco styles, and Spanish Colonial-inspired walls. Past the main area and through a hallway, an outdoor space held a S’mores bar, a live band performing popular songs, and tables for students to talk and relax during the bustling night.
“I think the caricature booth and photo booth were nice additions to the dance. It gives students prom memorabilia to remember what we did that night,” said Sharon Park (12).
The first hour of prom allowed students to arrive and adjust to the atmosphere. A DJ mixed music as groups of friends slowly started dancing, ultimately leading to popular songs like “Love,” by Keyshia Cole, “Hotel Room Service,” by Pitbull, and others being played. While some danced, others enjoyed a quieter scene outdoors.
“I danced a little, and I hung out with friends at the tables outside a little as well,” Anna Chung (12) said. “There was a lot to do with my friends, so I wasn’t really bored the whole time.”
Toward the end of prom, the Prom Court nominees were announced. The Prom Queen nominees included seniors Trudy Chang, Kayla Huziar, Angelina Vargas, and Kayla Eramya. The Prom King nominees included seniors Luke Mason, Josiah Marchen, Adrian Tristan, and Dylan Wood. After much anticipation, Huziar and Marchen were crowned Prom Court King and Queen.
“The cheers were really loud because so many people were excited for them. It was cool to watch,” said Chung.
The night continued, and by 10 p.m., students began to slowly exit the venue. Overall, prom celebrated the achievements of junior and senior Bulldogs, a culmination of their hard work during high school.
“It was a great end to senior year,” said Chang. “It was my first and last prom, and I’m really glad I got to spend it in this way surrounded by my friends.”
