Teachers look back on prom
April 29, 2019
Mr. Michael Simms, science teacher, (left) attended prom with his future wife Mrs. Joann Simms, Weston elementary teacher.
Prom is held for high schoolers across the country every year. No matter the theme, food, or location, everyone remembers their prom.
While students may only think of teachers attending the prom as chaperones, most teachers at KHS enjoyed their own prom as students.
Mr. Michael Simms, science teacher, enjoyed having one last hurrah with his classmates before graduation.
“I did enjoy prom,” Simms said. “I am not a good dancer by any stretch of the imagination. However, it was more than that. It was about being with my friends and classmates one last time in a formal setting.”
Prom has been a tradition at high schools nationwide since the 1920s. By the ’50s, prom became one of the most iconic parts of every upperclassman’s school year.
The event has evolved since its introduction, with decorations and formal wear growing more expensive by the year.
Mrs. Caitlin Manson, Spanish teacher, said prom is a fun event despite its ever-growing complexities.
Mrs. Caitlin Manson, Spanish teacher, (right) attended her senior prom with her future husband, Mr. Brandon Manson.
“It appears to me that prom has gotten blown a bit out of proportion over the years, even since I was in high school,” Manson said. “It can be a very expensive event. I still think it’s a fun tradition, and it’s a nice way for our seniors to start their celebration of the end of their high school careers.”
While there are always a few students who are “too cool for prom,” teachers recommend attending the event.
Mrs. Marti VanOverbeke, English teacher, said students should go to prom whether they can dance or not.
“I do think students should attend prom, even if they don’t like dancing necessarily,” VanOverbeke said.
Teachers remember prom as one of the last events they had their senior year to come together with their class and make memories.
VanOverbeke appreciates the change in ambiance prom offers for students.
“It’s just a different, fun environment to celebrate the friendships you’ve made and hope to maintain into your adulthood,” VanOverbeke said. “It’s nice to see everyone dressed up and just enjoying the final moments of your senior year.”