In previous years, the prom has been created on a formal system where students are asked to reserve seats and get served their dinner throughout the night. 

This year, students were asked to mingle amongst themselves, share the common space and transition from a formal sit-down meal to a more casual buffet-style service featuring an array of hor d’oeuvres. 

According to sponsor Noelle Rocklage, this decision was motivated by a desire to provide students with a wider variety of food options while also addressing concerns about food wastage commonly associated with plated dinners. In addition to the changes in dining, the seating arrangements underwent a notable transformation as well. Unlike previous years where students were assigned specific tables, this year’s Prom adopted a free-seating approach. Against popular belief, Prom had both barstool and seated tables allowing completely free seating. Senior Ali Sandler said the changes in seating will be an improvement from previous years, as before students were seated for the majority of their night. 

“I think people might have more fun because last year we just sat down for an hour and a half and you were forced to sit with your table. So I think being able to walk around will be better,” Sandler said. 

Senior Flynn Agan agreed and said the lack of seating assignments created a more open environment.

 “I thought Prom was really fun even though there were no actual reserved tables, you could talk to anybody without being restricted or anything,” Agan said. 

Others believe the changes made created a less formal environment, junior Morgan Gooch said it may have felt fancier in previous years.

 “I think if it was meals rather than appetizers it would feel much more formal; feeling like I am going to an event, being served is so much classier I feel,” Gooch said.