by Brett Baligad, Senior Editor

Hosted at The Loft On Pine, the “Evening of Enchanted” symbolized the final chapter for the Class of 2023. With dinner provided and live music swelling, the senior classes of St. John Bosco and St. Joseph High Schools crowned prom royalty as they danced the night away.

The much anticipated prom is a formal senior class event that demonstrates a culmination of the high school experience as a Brave.

The Class of ‘23 and their dates began to flood in as the doors opened at 7:00pm in the evening. Plenty of students showed up in style, whether coming as a group in a party bus with their friends or driving in with iconic sports cars. Immediately upon entering, students had access to the second floor, which included tables, a buffet style dinner, refreshments and a dance floor. On the third floor, there was more seating available and photo booths. This three story set up is what gives the venue its namesake, “The Loft On Pine.” 

Food was served at 7:30pm and included a buffet style Italian dinner with a selection of pasta dishes and refreshments. Seniors gathered around tables to celebrate their final month together and caught up with each other.

“The food was really good, and my favorite dish was the ravioli. It was a good time hanging out and eating with my friends,” said senior Christopher Facio.

By 8:00pm, the dance floor became lively with a wide variety of music. 

“I really enjoyed the music. The music kept us turned up,” said senior Cameron Walker.

At the end of the night, the Prom King and Queen were announced. The senior classes of St. John Bosco and St. Joseph’s went through a voting process to decide the court prior to the dance. On the final prom ballot, seniors Rafael Perea, Tyler Baligad, Paxton Allison and Aidan Gallagher were announced Prom Princes. The 2023 Prom King was senior Carter Daley. St. Joseph’s would go on to elect senior Emma Persi as their 2023 Prom Queen. The two would embrace, then lead the class of 2023 in their final slow dance.

“Winning Prom King was kind of a surprise. I knew I had a chance and when they called my name I went into a shock, but I was just overall super excited and honored,” Carter said. “It was even more special to have my date and all of my best friends around who I have known for all four years at Bosco along with my friends at St. Joseph’s there to share the moment.”

Carter is a member of the Entrepreneurship Pathway, the varsity golf Captain and a writer for this publication. He will be attending Indiana University, Bloomington and intends to study business in the Fall.

Prom came just after the senior’s retreat, where they reflected on their favorite memories at Bosco and got to say goodbye to underclassmen at the Senior Farewell ceremony in the gym. Science teacher Mr. Ruben Solorza led the Senior Farewell speech, giving inspiration to the Class of ’23. After, each senior got to ring the victory bell. Mr. Solorza was also in attendance at Prom, chaperoning the dance.

“I really enjoyed chaperoning at prom. I’m proud of all of the guys and it was a good way to cap off a great school year. Everyone seemed like they had a really good time,” Mr. Solorza said.

Overall, the seniors look forward to their final week and a half of school. With AP tests concluding and finals coming up, seniors are eagerly anticipating Grad Nite on Friday, May 12 at Disneyland, their last hurrah prior to Graduation.