Prom plans in works

A little Hollywood and a lot of dancing are headed this way Saturday with the Portales High School prom.

Students, teachers and parents have been decorating the high school cafeteria since Monday. The theme is “Vintage Hollywood.”

“Prom and Maypole are the only times a girl gets to be a princess,” junior Alyssa Hill said.

Hill is looking forward to the dance. She said the junior class puts on prom for the seniors, so it’s a last get-together.

“I think it’s just going to be a lot of fun,” Hill said.

Junior Michael Nicholes said prom is a time for juniors to make memories and see what they have to look forward to next year.

“Definitely it’s a chance for juniors to show how much they appreciate the senior class for being there and being our upper support,” he said, adding that students who come, see how work can benefit the whole group.

Parent Amie Franz is leading the preparation activities.

“I’ve just enjoyed it because I think it’s going to be fun watching everyone work together, watching the teens work together,” she said.

Franz’s brother-in-law, a professional disc jockey, is coming from California to provide the music and has allowed the students to choose the songs on the play list, Franz said.

Teacher Dodi Eakins has been organizing the election for prom king, queen, prince and princess. Teachers nominate students based on performance and character, and then students vote on the candidates.

The winners will be announced during prom, she said.

In past months, the juniors held a spaghetti dinner with live and silent auctions, and raffled off gift cards to raise money for prom. Local businesses donated food and merchandise. During prom, Nicholes said, the community comes together to help the students create something fun for everyone.