Since September, May 1st, 2025, has become the most highly anticipated day for every 11th grader at West: the night of their first high school prom. Taking place at the Collingswood Ballroom, everyone had high expectations of an unforgettable and unique experience. 

The Class of 2026 Committee revealed the theme to be Rio Carnival on March 31st. Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival is a days-long celebration held right before Lent every year, which is a holy period in Christianity of fasting and repentance. This celebration’s main component is samba, a Brazilian genre of music and dance with strong African roots. The many different types of this dance are performed in street parties, in parades, and in ballroom parties, as members of samba schools show off their skills. This joyous atmosphere is accompanied by vibrant colors, dazzling outfits, and feathers or sequins everywhere you look. 

 Accordingly, the Ballroom would be decked out in colorful and extravagant decorations, as if the dance floor were a real street in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Each table had a centerpiece of brightly-colored bouquets containing flowers and feathers. Multiple walls were transformed into photo-ops as balloons were arranged to form eye-catching backdrops and designs. Lights were hung from the railing of the second floor to foster the dazzling atmosphere, alongside the color-changing lights that lit up the dance floor on every corner.

The decorations were not the only Rio Carnival-themed aspects of the night. The Committee provided feather boas for dancers to wear as they danced and took pictures. Some attendees wore outfits inspired by the theme of the night, whether through the colors of their outfits or their accessories. Even the photobooth upstairs provided props that were on theme with feathers and sparkles. 

Now that the atmosphere of the night has been established, who got to enjoy this spectacle of a night? According to the Class of 2026 Committee, 216 tickets to the event were purchased. Each ticket was sold at $80, adding up to $17,280 for the Committee to spend on expenses like the venue, food, decorations, and DJ. Every person had to fill out a form requesting parent permission to attend the event. However, only 178 of these tickets went to juniors at West. The other 38 were purchased by dates, which include West students in other grades or students from different schools. This could also be requested using the permission slip and additional parent permission. 

Students arrived at the Collingswood venue between 6:30 and 7:00 p.m., with many of them coming in groups or with their dates, buzzing with excitement. After checking in and turning in their permission slips, many students would pose for pictures before heading to the tables. Everyone received feather boas as well, adding even more flair to their outfits. 

Dinner was buffet-style and featured a mix of crowd-pleasers: pasta, Caesar salad, chicken, and rolls, along with dessert options like ice cream. Water and Shirley Temples were available in unlimited supply at the bar-style drink station. The line for the food was long as everyone eagerly waited their turn, but once plates were filled, students wasted no time digging in. Laughter and conversation filled the room as friends chatted over their meals, sharing compliments on everyone’s outfits and hyping up the night’s vibe. 

Once the music started, the DJ wasted no time getting the crowd moving. Students danced to a mix of current pop hits like “Nokia” by Drake, throwback tracks like “Starships” by Nicki Minaj, and Latin beats that paid homage to the night’s theme. Requests were welcomed, and the floor early emptied as students jumped, spun, and laughed the night away. Even those who were not normally dancers were found dancing to catchy dance songs like “Cupid Shuffle” by Cupid and “Cotton Eye Joe” by Rednex. 

As the night wound down around 9:30 p.m., students took one last chance to visit the photobooths upstairs or grab a quick group photo in front of the staircase. The prom officially ended at 10:00 p.m., with many feeling happy, content, and reluctant to leave the dazzling venue behind. 

Overall, the Junior Prom was a fun and successful night. Whether it was the music, the outfits, the food, or simply the energy, the Class of 2026’s prom created long-lasting memories that students will carry long after the last song faded. The reviews of the event were overwhelmingly positive, with a special thanks to the Class of 2026 representatives, led by Ms. Jefferson, whose hard work and dedication brought this unforgettable night to life. With this year’s prom setting the bar so high, there’s no doubt the Class of 2026 is ready to take on senior year with the same spirit and style.