Saturday, April 13, was an exciting evening—a fairytale night—Lodi High School’s 2024 Prom! The event kicked off with a grand march at 10:10, where all the prom court couples showcased their unique handshakes. The evening was adorned with ivy foliage running on the walls and fairy lights lighting up the school. The 2024 Junior Prom Court, consisting of Ella Johnson and Connor Skrum, Mayah Bonafield and Gracie Burkholder, Tatum Tatro and Violet Collyard, Ava Ballweg and Addison Crane, Caleb Rotzoll and Blake Simpson, and Kyle Hoffman and Tyler Oberling, was a sight to behold. This year’s prom king and queen, Connor Skrum and Ella Johnson, were crowned at 10:15 p.m., marking the end of a memorable evening.
The theme of the night was ‘fairytale’, and the decorations truly brought this theme to life. Delicate flowers cascaded down the stair railings, while twinkling fairy lights and lush foliage adorned the walls, creating a magical atmosphere that transported everyone to a fairytale world.
Ella Johnson, one of the prom court members, shared her thoughts on the event, saying, “I think the decorations were amazing. I don’t care if anyone disagrees because every single person on the court is decorated with their whole hearts. Caleb went out making his own bouquets for the stairs, which shocked me. It was such a heartwarming sight to see everyone putting in their best efforts to make this night special.”
The Prom 2023 theme was Old Hollywood, filled with red carpets and stars.
Senior Gabby Guethlein said, “I think both themes are really cool because you can do many different things with them. I liked our photo walls more last year, but the flower arch on the stairs this year was super cool and really pretty.”
With that, last year, the Junior King and Queen were Kogen Baron and Gabby Guethlein; they gave the crowns off to Skrum and Johnson at 10:15 p.m.
Everyone at the dance was anxious to see who would win. As Baron said, “Giving out the crown is much more relaxing. When you’re on the court, the temptation to know who won made me very anxious. Especially since I thought Gabby and I wouldn’t win.”
Johnson said, “I had a feeling we would only because we were the only real couple outside of the dance. I was still surprised to win, and I think everyone on the court would have made an absolutely amazing king and queen.”
The grand march, a highlight of the evening, started at 10:10. All the prom court couples, dressed in their finest, showcased their unique handshakes. Both Baron and Guethlein say that Tyler Oberling and Kyle Hoffman had the best handshake: a fight with a sword and shield. The grand march was a testament to the creativity and enthusiasm of the prom court members.
Junior Christa Statz said, “Tatum and Violet had the best handshake.” At the end of their handshake, they popped party poppers. The grand march overall was a success and a fun time.
The night came to a close at 11:30 p.m., leaving everyone tired but fulfilled. The memories of the evening, the laughter, the dances, and the friendships formed will last a lifetime. It was a night to remember—a night that truly captured the spirit of Lodi High School.
