My Senior Prom and Its Venue

Every high school student dreams of a memorable senior prom, but for many, the experience can vary greatly. Here, I reflect on my own prom experience, focusing on where it was held, and the stories and memories associated with it.

County Hall on the Waterfront

My senior prom was hosted at the county hall on the waterfront. The setting was absolutely beautiful, built right next to the water, and it made for an iconic backdrop. However, it was a rather sad day when it was replaced by a tourist-oriented shopping mall. The transformation is a reminder of how quickly places can change and evolution happens.

No Prom, Just an End of Year Dance

To be clear, we never really had a traditional prom. Instead, we had an end of year dance in our main gym, and it wasn't even billed as a prom. It was just another dance event, though in retrospect, it might have been a bit special. Our school didn't designate it as an official prom, which was perhaps a missed opportunity to make it truly memorable.

The Dugan's Catering Hall

Another story that comes to mind is the Dugan's catering hall. This was a local venue known for its outdated smell of decade-old carpet, which had never been cleaned or aired out. Despite the less-than-ideal ambiance, it served as a memorable location for many students to gather and celebrate their last days of high school.

A Look Back at My Own Prom

Reflecting on my own prom, I realize it was a long time ago, but not as long as I initially thought. In reality, it was in the late 1960s, and it was held in our massive gymnasium. While it might not have been a sorority ball or a grand event with elaborate decorations, it was still a special occasion. The prom was a time for students to come together, and the gymnasium, with its grandeur, added to the event's atmosphere.

My Absence

The story is incomplete, though, without mentioning the circumstances that kept me from attending. I was competing in a tournament several hundred miles away, which kept me from taking part in the celebration with my fellow students. It was a tough decision, and it remains a bittersweet memory for me.

Conclusion

The venue of a prom can greatly affect the overall experience, and my senior prom was no exception. The location, the atmosphere, and the mere fact of missing it due to personal circumstances all contribute to the rich tapestry of high school memories. Whether it was the county hall, Dugan's catering hall, or my absence, each aspect of that senior prom left its unique mark on my high school experience.