Prom is known to be one of the favorite events held at Carterville High School, a night filled with memories, pictures, and dresses.
The dance was held on April 25 at the Timothy C. Bleyer auditorium, located at John A. Logan College. The entrance was covered with beautiful flowers, famous paintings from during the Regency Era, and images of our own high school teachers as royalty; which all add to the high school’s 2026 theme: Bridgerton. Mrs. Neally said that, “The two ideas were ancient Greece and diamond of the season and we used a majority vote to pick it which actually worked out because another school ended up doing ancient Greece.”
The ball room showed even more elegant decorations, matching the theme with hanging flowers and lights, along with white and pastel fabrics draped along the tables with candlelight.
Prom is mostly to give both juniors and seniors one night to really show off their style and have fun, however if invited by an upperclassmen freshman and sophomores can also enjoy the festivities. This gives underclassmen the chance to look towards their future prom and get to celebrate with their older friends. Sophomore Mia Cudworth said, “I am very excited to be able to go to prom myself next year! This prom was great overall, but I still can’t wait to see next year’s prom!”
One of the best parts of prom was held before the dance, Coronation. At this time, everybody is able to get together and vote on which junior deserves the title of King or Queen. Some candidates campaign for the spot by creating videos, making pins, and even going up to people at lunch to tell them to vote. While others do nothing at all and make it on prom court.
This year, juniors Evan Miranti and Tessa Absher were chosen as the Prom King and Queen, an exciting moment they will always remember. Junior Tessa Absher said, “Winning was something I had never ever expected. When I heard my name, I thought I was imagining it all! And I’m so grateful for all the people who supported me all the way!”
For seniors, prom is one of the last events during their final year, ending on a positive note. The dance is not the only exciting part of prom, the favorite moments are usually those spent with friends. “I would say I love getting ready for the dance, taking pictures, and going out to have dinner with my friends before prom,” senior Zi Zhang said.
