Seniors are lively as this year’s prom theme has been revealed: “The Great Gatsby”. Maverick Leadership promises a night full of 1920s glamour, sparkling decor and jazzy vibes that will transform the venue into a roaring ballroom straight out of the Jazz Age. From planning dazzling outfits to imagining the perfect photos with friends, students are already looking forward to a night filled with music, laughter and unforgettable memories. Prom will take place on April 11 at the Cotton Mill, making it one of the most glamorous and anticipated events of the school year.
The decision to choose “The Great Gatsby” as the prom theme was driven largely on student input. Choosing a prom theme is one of the most influential decisions Leadership makes, as it shapes everything from decorations to student expectations. Leadership shared that the goal was to choose a theme that felt widely supported and reflected what students actually wanted for prom. Their approach was to allow the student body to play a role in shaping one of the biggest events of the year, making sure it’s both fun and inclusive.
“We had a Google form with theme ideas from the student body, then the top most mentioned ideas became our top three choices we sent out. ‘Gatsby’ won as both the first and second choice,” Fariha Shadiq, 12, said.
Although prom is often seen as a single night of celebration, the planning process involves logistical and financial decisions that can be difficult to navigate. Leadership worked within district rules, limited options and strict budgets. These restrictions required Leadership to be strategic about where money was spent and what decisions would have the biggest impact on the overall prom experience. These constraints influenced many of the final choices and required careful prioritizing behind the scenes.
“We don’t have much of a choice for the venue. It’s incredibly expensive to get a ‘nicer’ venue, and they have to be an FISD Approved Vendor as well. This makes our options super limited, and the approved vendor applies for DJs and decorators as well, so we’re working with pretty tight limitations,” Shadiq said.
As prom night approaches, so does anticipation within the campus, with many students already imagining what the evening will be like. Since prom is often remembered long after graduation, Leadership focused on how students would experience the night from beginning to end. Considerations such as movement throughout the venue, opportunities to take photos and spaces to gather with friends all played a role in shaping the event. Paying attention to these small details helped guide decisions that aim to make prom more engaging and memorable.
“Check out everything, try the food, use the photobooth, take pictures with all the decor, dance on the dance floor and make the most of your money,” Shadiq said. “You’re going to regret not doing as much as possible later.”
While much of the planning is behind the scenes, the experience of prom ultimately belongs to the students. Maverick Leadership hopes seniors take advantage of the details planned throughout the night, whether that includes dancing, exploring the venue or spending time with friends. With “The Great Gatsby” theme setting the atmosphere, the event is designed to reflect the glamour and excitement of the 1920s. As one of the last large school events before graduation, prom provides seniors with a chance to enjoy the moment and create memories in a setting created just for them.
