Severna Park Seniors Look Forward to Prom 2011

, Archbishop Spalding and seniors are all getting ready for their high school prom this weekend and next as the annual right of passage, largely looked upon as the “last hurrah” before graduation, has arrived. 

Lots of preparation and excitement surrounds the prom starting early in the year as seniors start to plan what they will wear and who they will accompany to the biggest dance of the years. These days, most students create a Facebook page as early as January to showcase different prom dresses they've chosen to avoid any duplicate dresses.

Fundraising

Fundraising for prom begins when a class enters ninth grade when the class sets aside money in preparation for prom, prom breakfast and graduation expenses. The students, PTO organizers and usually a committee of class officers and student volunteers, guided by the class sponsor and faculty, then hold various fundraisers like the “dress down days” and the annual 5K Fun Run and Walk  to other events like the Severna Park High School  “Spring in the Keys” senior class auction fundraiser held in March of this year. (.)

Asking the Girl to Prom

There is also a lot of pressure on the boys to ask a girl to prom in a very unique and creative way. John Gardiner, a senior at Archbishop  Spalding said:  “Some kids really feel pressured to think of unique ways to ask. I sneaked over her house late at night and put a sign in the front yard but some guys go a little crazy.”

Other boys feel less pressured by asking their best friends or girlfriends like Erik Schuh of Severna Park who is taking his girlfriend Blakely Sears. Carley Kirchner, also a Severna Park said:  “By the beginning of March, people already start thinking about who they are bringing.”

It’s all About the Dress!

The cost of a dress can range anywhere from a $100 to upwards of $800 depending on where you go and if you need alterations. Many choose to get their dress off the rack to help save money but others go to more formal evening wear or boutique stores.

Emily Holt chose a long halter style with an embellished neckline dress from Mary’s Designer Bridal Boutique in Annapolis. Blakely Sears from Severna Park started to look way back in January but didn’t find what she was looking for until she went to a small store called Treasure Island in downtown Annapolis.

“It was literally the last dress I looked at. My mom picked it out and it was the last one I tried on.” Her mother, Susan Sears of Severna Park is quick to add that she had an ulterior motive in picking out the dress as she said she wanted to wear it herself for another event.

She laughed and added : “It didn’t really work out. I’d have to go run a million miles to fit into it!”  

A plus for customers buying from Treasure Island  is that they keep records of who bought what dress for each school.  Kelly DeStefano, a Severn student didn’t have to worry about anyone picking the same dress as her since she has chosen to wear vintage, black '50s/'60s passed down from her mom’s great aunt.

Her mother, Molly Driver wore the same dress about 10 years prior. They both decided “It was now or never” as the dress is “a classic silhouette dress with lots of crystals.” DeStefano added that since her dress has “a lot of sparkle it should go perfectly with this year’s theme, which is “The Crystal Ball."

The boy’s tend to wear a rented tuxedo and usually wear regular ties instead of bow-ties and many opt for color-coordinated chuck converse shoes.

Getting “Glam”

Many girls are getting their hair, nail and make up done professionally. This is not a cheap endeavor these days with manicure/pedicures costing around $50 and a hairstylist creating an up-do usually costs around $50. 

Many students also go to the tanning salon the month prior or get a spray tan. Spalding student, Emily Holt said she plans to get her nails done the day before so that she focus on her hair and make-up the day of the prom.

Image Creators is running a special where if you get a special occasion hair service plus one other additional service (cosmetic application, false eyelash application, waxing, manicure or pedicure) – you will receive a free Prom Beauty Emergency Kit containing a cosmetic bag with assorted contents.  This offer is valid only for special occasion hair service combined with any other salon or spa service and on same day, same appointment and with same guest.

When it comes to the flowers, Suzanne Grady at said that “98 percent of the boys keep it simple by going with three white roses and a bow the color of the date’s dress” 

Transportation

Most people opt to travel in style in large groups by limousines or a bus that can hold about 24 people. Reservations for these buses fill-up rather quickly months in advance as they are high in demand.

DeStefano explained that every year the Junior class at Severn shows a video spoofing the seniors about one month prior to prom announcing that year’s theme. Since the graduating class is just over 100 students, everyone takes pictures together usually at someone’s house on the water.

Severna Park senior, Erik Schuh said that he’s “most excited about seeing everyone getting together beforehand” as some 20-30 couples are all meeting up at someone’s house for pictures prior to prom. Severna Park homes that are directly on the water seem to be a favorite with parents and students to take pictures.

Severn’s prom will be held Friday (May 13) in the Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium ballroom. Immediately following the prom is an after prom  party  at the gym with  food, activities and prizes.

Archbishop Spalding’s prom will be held Saturday(May 14)  at Loews Annapolis Hotel and they too will have an after party at a Spalding parent’s farm in the Crofton area.

Severna Park’s prom is May 21 at the BWI Marriott. The graduating senior’s parents will host a breakfast afterwards at the Severna Park Elk’s Lodge with lots of food and prizes.