Surf’s Up. Held up by other students under the flashing lights, senior Calvin McKoy crowd surfs on the prom dance floor. He said later on that this was the most memorable moment of his night. “[Dancing with friends] was really just like a lot of energy; like an energetic situation,” McKoy said. “It was just really fun to be in.”

Feeling the vibes. [BELOW] Music blasts as prom attendees mingle on the dance floor. This year, East had a DJ to curate music for the special night. “The DJ played so much good music, and people were actually dancing so I felt comfortable dancing as well,” sophomore Madelyn Clark said.

Beautiful bouquet. [LEFT] Many students attending prom gift each other or adorn themselves with flowers for the special occasion. This is part of a long-standing tradition that allows attendees to match floral arrangements with their special someone or pick ones that best suit their outfits. “I think it’s special to have [a corsage] at prom especially if you have a significant other because it’s a meaningful and special moment, where the guy puts it on the girl’s wrist and the girl puts on the boutonnière on the guy’s tux,” sophomore Madelyn Clark said.

Deep breaths. [RIGHT] Sporting her prom court sash and light green gown, senior Madeleine Walter mentally prepares to hear the results of who will be crowned prom queen. She had entered the running for prom court later than other students and was elated to have made it this far, considering that she would eventually go on to win the title. “I mainly wanted to run because a lot of my friends told me I should and that they would vote for me,” Walter said. “And I knew it would be a fun experience even if I didn’t win.”

That’s a first. [LEFT] Arriving at prom with excitement coursing through her veins, sophomore Madelyn Clark hits the dance floor. Being a little younger than her peers, Clark had never attended prom before and was not sure what to expect. “It was [my best friend’s] first prom at East and my first prom ever, and it was so much fun,” Clark said.

Style for miles. [ABOVE] After meticulously getting ready, junior Madelyn Wickwire soaks in the fun atmosphere of prom. Wickwire wanted to step outside her comfort zone, so she went with a new hairstyle for the night. “I guess I wanted some kind of updo out of my usual because I usually just kind of tie my hair up in a half up, half down, so I thought a bun might suit the dress well,” Wickwire said.

Under the spotlight. Illuminated by the colorful prom lights, senior Trinity Marr accessorizes with her choker and hair adornments. She wanted to match the Atlantis theme but also add touches of her own personal style. “I knew I wanted to do green because it was a color I haven’t done before, and I wanted a sea vibe, so I did that,” Marr said. “And then I feel like my curls—I had waves, like wave curls, so sea vibes.”