by Rafael Escobedo

On Saturday, May 27th, seniors from both St. John Bosco and St. Joseph’s High Schools celebrated and attended their final high school dance: Prom.

This year’s Prom took place at Crafted at the Port of Los Angeles in Long Beach. The dance began at 7:00pm, where students were greeted with decorations and games upon arrival, such as pool tables and air hockey. In addition two photo booths were available for guests to use to create keepsakes for the high school memories they’ve forged.

Shortly after check-in, dinner was served around 7:30pm. The menu consisted of many different dishes and refreshments such as chicken alfredo, mac and cheese, Caesar salad, lemonade and more. 

“The food and beverages were really good. It wasn’t nothing too fancy; it was just plain and simple, which is what I liked about it,” said senior Joshua Lopez

Shortly after dinner, the dance floor began to fill up with students dancing and singing to all sorts of songs that were played throughout the night. And it seemed like the guests were pleased with the music choices, as everyone danced non-stop.

This is all thanks to the contribution of senior Anthony Martinez who is Events Moderator for the senior class and was responsible for choosing which genres of music were to be played and also helped announce this year’s Prom King Candidates.

“I really wanted to make Prom as memorable as possible, not only for me and my friends but for whole class of 2024, and I’m glad I was able to be a part of that,” Anthony said.

Toward the end of the night both Prom King and Prom Queen were revealed. The candidates for prom king were Gerritt Goodman, Andrew Perez, Michael Rodriguez, Onyedikachukwu Omoko and Nicodemus Bezuayeho. For Prom Queen, the nominees were Kylie Anderson, Maria Murillo, Corryn Thrash, Mollyann Donnelly and Amanda Rodriguez.

Prior to Prom, both senior classes voted on who they believe should be crowned Prom King and Queen, and it was revealed at the dance that Gerrit and Mollyann were elected as the 2024 Prom King and Queen. Shortly after, everyone circled around them as they shared a traditional slow dance. 

“Being Prom King is the biggest honor and being selected for something like that really makes you wonder about all the people you are representing with your titles,” Gerritt said. “I am living proof that the job is never over until you say it’s over and right now the job is over.”

Gerrit is involved in theater, ASB, Onori Society and a leader of the St. John Bosco Tribe. After high school, he plans to attend California Baptist University. Not only was Gerritt surprised to win, but Mollyann was shocked, too, while feeling excited and honored.

“To be honest, I was really surprised when I found out I was Prom Queen. It was so special to me because it was my first time winning anything big. I’ve run for ASB and [Homecoming] Court but never won, and [winning Prom Queen] was such an amazing experience,” said Mollyann.

Mollyann is involved in marching band, choir and President of the Anime Club. After high school, she plans to attend California State University, Long Beach and wants to major in Psychology. 

Both students, teachers and, especially, seniors are all counting the days until summer break and graduation. Seniors have one final class event left before Baccalaureate and Graduation, Disneyland’s Grad Nite, which takes place on May 17th.