It is officially Prom season. Instagram stories are being posted, flyers are plastered on the wall, and people are getting ready to vote. The Prom court is officially out, and out of the ten princes and princesses, only two will get the crown.
While not all of the Prom court expected this nomination, each of them accepted for a reason. Senior Ajani Romero, a prom prince, is surprised and excited for this opportunity. “This is something that’s really cool,” he stated. “It’s very encouraging that people thought of me. It’s truly a privilege.”
Senior Zachary Tang, a prom prince, shares the same sentiment. “I’m thrilled. I didn’t expect to be nominated but I appreciate the chance of being on the court.”
At Gabrielino High School, the prom court voting system is unique. Students nominate their peers, and the top ten nominees for princes and princesses make the ballot. Out of the ten nominees, only five students are chosen for each category. Finally, out of the five princes and princesses, only one gets to be king and queen.
The prom princesses this year are Ryan Chiou, Peonie Hoang, Jaslin Situ, Ngami Ly, and Abigail McNutt. The prom princes are Ajani Romero, Archibald Lai, Peter Deng, Zachary Tang, and Aaron Phan.
Senior Ryan Chiou decided to try something new and ran for prom princess.
“My friends and I wanted to make me the prom queen and my friend Matthew Wu the prom king,” Chiou stated. “Then we would dance together at prom and it would be very awesome and beautiful.”
The prom court royalty has already started planning their campaigns. “My campaign will probably be posted on an Instagram account,” Chiou explained. Chiou’s friend group, called “Club Corner,” will help him in his campaign.
Senior Jaslin Situ, a prom princess, has big plans for her campaign. “I’m really excited for prom and I have a lot of funny ideas coming,” Situ stated. “It’s a surprise. Everybody will be shocked.”
For those who do not have a campaign, they plan to just let the night play out.
“I haven’t gone to prom the previous years or anything, so I’m kind of just along for the ride,” Romero explained. “It’s just really cool to experience this with the other seniors.”
Being prom prince and princess is a special experience for those running in pairs. “I want this nomination because I want to be up there with my best friend, Jaslin Situ,” Tang explained.
Senior Ngami Ly, a prom princess, is running with her best friend, senior Peter Deng. “I was with Peter when it happened. We thought that this was going to be so fun, so we just did it.”
As one of the last nights celebrating together as seniors, the court is excited to spend it with their peers. “I’m excited for prom, excited for pictures, excited for everyone coming together for their last function together,” Situ explained.
The princes and princesses are excited to celebrate the night with their friends, and students will finally decide who gets the final crown.
