Prom is an event that marks the end of senior year, where students can dress up and have a great time with those close to them. This year’s prom announced the ecstatic prom queen as Mutong Niu, 12. 

As the clock hit 9:00 p.m., prom court nominees were revealed, and the crowd was in intense anticipation to know the winners. Niu was excited as she walked to claim her queen title.

“I just really liked that we were all rooting for each other… we genuinely thought that any of us could have gotten it,” Niu said. “ I was really happy, and I feel like it almost made me proud, just not because I got a crown, but because people recognized me.”

Niu loves to be a part of events that help the community, such as helping create an event in North Texas to raise donations for those in need.

“We’re actually organizing a wish walk,” Niu said. “And so it’s kind of different from the color run. And we’re trying to make more of an impact on the community of North Texas which is really really cool to me. I love that I get to just do all of these things outside of school too that also help impact the community in a positive way.”

 Niu loves to help the community through volunteering and school leadership. However, outside of school grounds, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, focusing on creating bonds that will last a lifetime. 

“I love hanging with my friends outside of school,” Niu said. “We love going out for brunch and going shopping. We also go on spontaneous side quests just to get ice cream and try different foods.”

  Prom court is a long standing tradition in high schools, allowing different candidates to be considered. All in all, Niu hopes the tradition lives on, with the emphasis on appreciating others’ efforts.

“It’s so cool to see how we get to highlight a different girl almost every year,” Niu said. “We’re highlighting the people that we see in our school [who’re] doing good work.”