Seniors Looking Mighty Fine, at Prom 2009

Dancing through life, seniors organize a Prom to remember

No RAL student, especially underclassmen, can claim 2009’s senior class didn’t go out in style. With Prom held at the Longview Country Club on May 2nd, even the recession couldn’t taint students’ overwhelming enthusiasm.

“It really was one of the best proms we’ve had,” senior class advisor Dennis Weber said. “I’ve heard and received more compliments from students about prom than ever before.”

Although students were very pleased at prom’s outcome, student approval for Prom’s location was particularly noticeable. Given student outrage over Prom’s location last year at the Ford Dealership, Prom 2009’s location was a major factor in its success.

“Great success, everyone had a great time,” senior class president Johnny Nguyen said.

“The Country Club was a great place. It looked really sweet inside, and it was really cool to go outside and chill on the deck,” senior Michael Lenderman said.              

“Sitting outside really appealed to the students,” Weber said.

Prom Queen and King were Chelsey Hulsey and Robbie Tackwell. “ I was really excited that I actually got picked for something,” Hulsey said. Prom court consisted of Kelli Hoover, Kaylie Dobbins, Mallory Sutter, Katie Oliva, Megan McCormick and Austin Scroggins, Colby Bell, Joe Ward, Chace Pederson.

“Yeah, it was really cool to be nominated but really surprising to win,” Tackwell said.

The threat of Breathalyzer tests by administration proved effective in discouraging drinking before Prom.

“It went great, Prom was a very positive experience this year,” Principal Frost said. “Student behavior and choices were wise.”

Prom brought in $4705 total, with approximately $2600 profit after expenses. Senior class president Johnny Nguyen, along with Ryan Ralston, led Prom’s organizational efforts.

“ I give lots of thanks to Johnny and Ryan who, along with Prom committee volunteers, organized a fantastic prom,” Weber said. “ I’m especially impressed with Johnny and Ryan’s eye for interior decorating.”

Earlier this year, Prom planning didn’t go as smoothly as hoped. Originally, both RAL and Mark Morris senior class officers planned a single Prom for both schools on The Portland Spirit, a popular dinner-cruise boat based in Portland.

Complications arose when Mark Morris officers disagreed with Prom ticket prices for the cruise, leading to a dramatic spat between the officers. RAL and MM officers eventually decided to follow the social norm of separate Proms. MM hosts their prom at the Expo Center in early June.

“Many seniors agreed to be lifeguards during Prom, so nobody would jump into the Club’s swimming pool,” Weber joked. “Thankfully, nobody jumped in.”