The 2015-2016 school year is coming to a close, and what better way to close out the year than with a successful prom. This year’s prom, held on April 30, was well recieved, according to a poll of attendees. In fact, 88% of those polled said they had a good time at prom, citing reasons including the music, the refreshments, the theme, and the pre and post prom activities.

Out of the polled students, the most cited positive about the prom was the people they attended with. “It was a very positive atmosphere,” said senior Shjon Best, “no one was fighting. Everyone had a good time.” According to several seniors who had attended last year’s prom, the general consensus was that this year’s dance was superior.

The prom’s theme, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel, The Great Gatsby, received a more mixed response from the polled students. While some said that the theme was excellent, others noted that the theme was underused (with very few props or period outfits), with some calling the theme simply “lame.” Most recognized the theme from the 2013 adaptation of the novel starring Leonardo DiCaprio, and while some joked they were saddened that DiCaprio himself didn’t show up, most agreed that the theme was a good choice.

The music also received a mixed response. While some felt that 2014-2015 graduate Von Hill did a great job as the DJ, others had complaints. Sixty-four percent felt that they didn’t play enough slow dance songs, and a few even said that the music played was more appropriate for “a club, not prom.” As a whole, roughly half of the students liked the music of the prom, and the other half didn’t like the music, although everyone seemed to agree that Hill himself was a great addition to the prom (especially when he was playfully “arrested” by the officers from the sheriff’s office.

The prom kicked off at 8 PM, with the senior walk occurring at about 8:30 and the court announcement at 10. According to students, about 40 seniors and juniors went to iHop after prom to enjoy a late-night snack.

Fashion played a large role during the dance. A lot of men wore plain black tuxedos, with very few in white or other colors. For the women, black, red, and blue were popular colors, as were two-piece dresses. Many of the teachers and chaperones in attendance dressed to the theme, including David Small, who came in a classy tailcoat, and Lauren Funk, who dressed up as the character Daisy from the Fitzgerald novel.

While individual verdicts may have varied, overall, this year’s prom seemed to impress the masses, with thanks to the Junior Class Prom Committee and Junior Class sponsors Emika Whitten and Sabrey Garling for making it all possible.