Madeline Awad

Upperclassmen line up as they wait to purchase tickets. The event had been in the works for months ensuring no detail is missed. “I am so excited for prom,” Molly Shipley (12) said. “I cannot wait to see all of my friends and just have a great time at the dance.”

As the academic year winds down, Ladue juniors and seniors are preparing to step into the Roaring Twenties. The annual prom themed “Great Gatsby Gala” is set to be on Saturday, April 18 at the Doubletree Chesterfield from 7-10:30 p.m.

The evening features a formal three course meal followed by an after-party at Chesterfield TopGolf from 10:00 p.m. to midnight. Continuing a long standing school tradition, the theme was chosen by the Junior Class study body officers.

“I like the Great Gatsby theme because I love the movie and it’s perfect for a nighttime event,” Zoe Warticovski (11) said. “It feels sophisticated and fits the mood of a fun celebration.”

However, oftentimes, the prom festivities are not limited to the night of the dance. Instead, the event has transformed into an all day, and for some, an all week production. The hours leading up to the dance have become a cherished ritual of social bonding and preparation. Molly Shipley (12) finds that the true fun of the day lies in the anticipation. For her, getting ready is just as meaningful as the dance itself.

“I have a whole schedule for this week to get ready for prom,” Shipley said. “I had to coordinate all the different times to get my hair and nails done. On the actual day of the dance I can’t wait to make bouquets with my friends.”

The meticulous planning reflects a larger idea among the Class of 2026. For many seniors, this dance marks one of the final milestones before the reality of graduation sets in. The transition from high school to the next chapter of their lives is marked by these social events where the goal is to freeze as much time before the departures of summer begin.

“I really hope this is a fun night to remember with all my friends,” Shipley said. “As the end of the year gets closer, I start to realize how few of these nights we have left together.”