A junior at MCHS walks into the prom venue. They are astonished. Decorations from floor to ceiling, clean linen tables, photo ops and so much more are before her eyes. She can not wait to enjoy her first prom here. Everyone says it is just a dance, but they are wrong.

Spanning for the past few decades, Prom is a traditional dance that American high schools hold. MCHSis no exception. Prom will be held on April 26th, at the Renaissance Convention Center in Schaumburg.

“This is an upscale venue that always provides good food and lots of room,” said prom advisor Meghan Steck, who is enjoying her 12th year as a prom advisor at McHenry.

Everyone is excited for prom this year, not just committee members. 

“Prom is definitely worth attending because it is an experience unique to this point in our lives,” said senior Kristin Anderson. “It is an opportunity to celebrate with friends and create lasting memories.”

Juniors are anxious to attend Prom for the first time as well.

Junior Lorelei Galvisous is excited to get all dressed up and go to her first prom. 

While some students were excited for the opportunity to attend prom, others were not going to get that chance.

Until Thursday, students that did not meet the 90% attendance policy requirements were not able to attend prom. But that has changed.

The school has decided to eliminate this from the factors of students missing prom. While school fees and code of conduct violations are still in place, the attendance policy has been removed.

“We want all McHenry upperclassmen to attend this special event if they want to,” said Steck.

Students who have attendance lower than 90% attendance are excited they can now attend their school star-struck dance. Tickets can be bought until noon on Saturday. Reservation card pick-up is tomorrow at UC from 10-12.

“It makes me really happy that I can go to prom now,” said Junior Kendall Pica. “I’m so excited!”

As the date gets closer students are ready to dance the night away and see the surprises the committee has planned.

The Prom Committee began preparations a while ago. From debating themes to decorations, they have had their hands full. And having a full plate can be hard to manage when you are short on hands.

“It can be challenging to find student committee members to help plan prom. We originally started with a large group, but the number was reduced due to spring sports conflicts,” said Steck. “Luckily the committee members we still have are very dedicated.”

While numbers may have dwindled as the seasons change, many students join to help make the experience meaningful to both themselves and their fellow students.

But the road is not always smooth. The committee often runs into a few speed bumps on the way to planning prom. But as each year goes on they continue to improve on their mistakes and learn how to make prom enjoyable for everyone.

“Last year there were not a lot of updates on the Prom’s Instagram. We try to keep people involved and keep them excited for Prom night,” said senior committee member Alexis Wilde.

Students join the committee to make this important night special for their classmates.

“I am on the Prom Committee because it is important to get as many people as possible involved with such an important event for high schoolers,” said Wilde. 

“We are planning to have the same picture and video cameras that were provided at last year’s Prom,” said Wilde. “As well as our specialty drink called Starry Sips.”