Hot Springs High School hosts Prom

HOT SPRINGS – As the rain came down in sheets outside, the lights glimmered inside the school gymnasium as Hot Springs High School hosted its annual prom. 

The soggy weather did not keep students from dressing to the nines and heading to school for the formal dance, one of the surest signs that the school year is coming to a close. 

It was not only students who packed into the gym, but parents and teachers as well, who came to take photos and share the moment with their students. 

Slightly before 8 p.m., with the clouds just beginning to open up, quickly turning the gravel parking lot to the school into a slippery muddy surface, cars began to pull up to school dropping off well dressed students. 

The students picked their way quickly across the gravel, simultaneously attempting to get out of the rain and keep their garments in the best shape possible. 

Students continued to file in past eight, gradually filling the gymnasium with students. 

Volunteers lined the perimeter of the gym tending tables with snacks and refreshments, as the first few songs began to play and the organizers of the event started to situate themselves. 

The theme of the dance was Mardi Gras, which the students had voted on earlier in the year. 

“It was a good night, the kids really had a lot of fun,” Caley Clark of Hot Springs said. 

As 9 p.m. approached, the original slot for the prom march, the schedule was shifted and the decision was made to crown the king and queen of this year’s prom, before filtering out into the hallway for the march. 

When the clock struck nine, the crowd of students, still largely milling around, with only a couple brave souls venturing onto the dance floor at this point, were hushed and called to attention, as the king and queen were announced. 

This year’s honors went to Joe DeTienne and Sadee Miller. 

DeTienne sported the crown on top of his beige suite, while Miller sported a flowing seafoam green dress.

The dance floor was soon yielded, and the newly crowned king and queen were given the honors of a dance together, cheered on by their fellow students as parents and adults in attendance took several pictures. 

Once their solo dance was completed, couples slowly drifted onto the dance floor, increasing in number as the night wore on. 

The students seemed to be having a fine time with one another and even the downpour outside could not sour their spirits as they enjoyed one of their final events as students together at Hot Springs High School. 

The class spent a great deal of time fundraising for the prom to ensure it was a special night. 

“Students fund raised, since they were first in high school, they used their class funds for the prom,” Clark said. 

The funds were put to good use, as four years worth of fund raising filled the gymnasium with lights and Mardi Gras themed decor. 

In the weeks running up to the prom teachers and students worked together to ensure everything went smoothly, making the night special for students.