On February 20, the United Student Body (USB), announced the 2024 prom theme: “Masquerade Ball.” Along with the theme, numerous student activities that will be provided for attendees were also announced.
In the past few weeks, polls were opened for students to vote for this year’s prom theme. The options included “Masquerade Ball,” “Old Hollywood,” and “Wish Upon a Star.” After four days of voting, “Masquerade Ball” was won by a majority.
Masquerade balls are formal balls where participants attend wearing masks. Historically, the balls were opportunities for attendee guessing games, discussions without physical judgment, and individual art expression. Masks could either be full or half faces, tied to one’s head, or held by a stick.
Despite students’ looking forward to a prom with masquerade masks to go with the theme, the administration expressed potential safety concerns that came with the theme such as the inability to recognize students. Currently, the decision still remains that students will be allowed to wear masks in prom festivities.
Along with the theme, the location of prom was also announced. The 2024 prom will be held at the Coto Valley Country Club in South Orange County on April 27. In addition to dancing, prom will include photo booths, 360 photos, casino gaming, pool tables, a swing band, a horse drawn carriage, and a professional DJ.
“I think the difference between this year’s prom and last year’s prom is that we’ll probably have more student interactive things to do at prom and more food options like everyone’s been wanting,” 2025 Class President and Prom Organizer Katie Trinh (11) said.
This year’s food options will include a chocolate fondue, an ice cream cart, and a s’mores bar. For many, the new additions of food have become the most anticipated element of this year’s event.
“I love the food that’s gonna be at the venue,” Leo Jia (12) said. “I think this prom is going to be better than last year because last year’s food [didn’t live up to my expectations].”
Aside from the different themes and venues over the years, prom continues to be an essential part of school culture since it honors the upperclassmen and gives a chance for students to make lasting memories together.
“I’m going this year because I want to make memories with my senior friends,” Alicia Tse (11) said. “We’re all really hyped.”
As prom closely approaches, we can only look forward to whether this year’s prom will be the breakthrough that we’ve been waiting for all year.
