It must be spring. Birds are chirping. Daffodils are poking up. Snow is drifted to the gutters. And this weekend is prom.
Juniors and seniors at Dodge City High School and their dates begin the highly ritualized evening months in advance. There's the search for the perfect dress or tuxedo, the hair and nails appointments, arranging transportation, setting up dinner arrangements. Ordering a corsage is the least of anyone's worries.
This year's theme is “Masquerade: Masked 'Til Midnight. “ The theme was chosen by a vote of the entire junior class last November. A committee of class sponsors, class officers, parents and administrators have planned every detail, and the last-minute work to set up and decorate the Civic Center will be accomplished today.
The evening begins with announcements at 8 p.m. The process of introducing and welcoming each couple or group usually takes about 90 minutes. The grandstand seating at the Civic Center is open for parents and grandparents to watch the procession. Once they've made their entrance, students will find the action already under way, with DJ Brian Crawford with Absolute Sound out of Wichita spinning the tunes until midnight.
A professional photographer will be set up for formal portraits from 5 to 10 p.m. A cadre of 12 administrators, 20 teachers, 15 parents and security officers will be on hand to help with refreshments and crowd control.
No one knows yet who will arrive in the most outrageous form of transportation or who will sport the most stunning outfit. What we do know is that we hope everyone has a great time and a memorable evening.
Reach Don Steele at (620) 408-9910 or e-mail at don.steele@dodgeglobe.com
DODGE CITY —
