The Thomas Jefferson 2019 prom was a fun-filled success. photo courtesy of Unsplash.
TJ prom has come and gone, leaving students with fond memories of music and fun that could last a lifetime.
As we walked into the Denver Athletic Club building, none of us knew exactly what to expect. Most hadn’t gone to prom before, and those who did only had memories of last year, but this was an entirely new experience: a new venue, a new group of organizers, and a new room full of friends and peers from our own class. The excitement built as we entered the lobby, dressed from head to toe in formal clothing we had spent a significant amount of time choosing. We were greeted by a smiling woman who directed us to the elevator. We got to the floor below the event, and checked in our bags and coats in anticipation of the night full of dancing we were soon to experience. Then, we went up one more level. An abundance of our classmates were entering and exiting the large room, and friends came together to compliment one another on their attire. After so many movies depicting this moment, and imagining what might happen for the past four years, we were finally there.
So we went in.
Despite the darkness surrounding us, the massive chandelier looming overhead was impossible to miss, and apparently neither were we, as our friends, whose eyes had already adjusted, came over to greet us. And so, the night of memories began.
The Thomas Jefferson 2019 senior prom was a hit, and for good reason. Our venue was phenomenal, thanks to TJ CCT staff member Danny Showers, and senior parents who worked hard to make afterprom a lively and exciting event. The theme of the night was “An Evening of Elegance,” in stark contrast with the clever construction theme of afterprom. Tickets were $30 for a couple and $25 for singles, which, in addition to being generally low in price for prom tickets, was made up for at afterprom when seniors were entered in a raffle and many won wonderful prizes from towels to televisions, and all students received coupons to a multitude of Spartan-supporting businesses in the TJ area.
Of course, the announcement of prom royalty was another highlight of the magical night, with students Benedict (Ben) Matarlee and Madeleine (Maddi) Abram winning the titles of King and Queen, respectively. This was an exciting moment for both of them, albeit unexpected. Abram said of the announcement, “I’m super grateful to have the title, but I really didn’t expect it. It came as a happy surprise, and I’m really honored that so many people from our class supported me.”
Prom itself spanned from 8:00-11:00 PM, but that hardly meant the fun had to end there. Most students then found their way back to TJ, where they were able to enjoy all the options senior parents had lined up for them. Those with energy to spare were able to race their friends in the large bouncy castle obstacle course set up in the gym, or playfully spar with them in the bouncy fighting ring. Students who wished to challenge themselves and their friends in a more Vegas-esque manner were able to play poker with parents and staff members in the dance room. For those who wanted a calmer environment, there was the option of watching the movie upon which this year’s musical at TJ was based: “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” Of course, pizza, snacks, and sweets were also provided for this large group of teenagers (there may have been riots otherwise).
Overall, the evening was a huge success. As TJ senior Alyssa Maisel mentioned, “It really was a lot of fun, I’m honestly glad that I went. I don’t think I’ll ever forget it, at least not anytime soon.” The memories made at Thomas Jefferson’s 2019 senior prom are here to stay, and with one more senior tradition complete, it is time for this class to get ready to leave. Even so, thanks to this wonderful night of dancing, friendship, and fun, it feels that the time seniors spent here is coming to a close which is arriving neither too soon nor too late.
Though our prom has passed and our time at this school soon will as well, we will undoubtedly remain proud Spartans forever.
