At the beginning of May, students buzz with excitement in high schools nationwide. Summer break is less than a month away, and for seniors, graduation is closer than ever. However, one popular event that gets everyone, especially juniors and seniors, excited is the upcoming dance: prom!

Prom, short for promenade, which is French for “walk,” originated from debutante balls held in the 18th and 19th centuries. Prom was seen as more of a high-society co-ed banquet, which marked the students’ transition to adulthood. Still, in more modern times, prom, a 14.8 billion dollar industry, is either seen as a “graduation ball” or a dance for upperclassmen to have fun with their friends or date. Traditionally, to ask someone to prom, one person takes the role of being the “promposer,” who asks their partner to attend prom with them, usually with an over-the-top invitation. According to a Britannica article written by Meg Matthis, “promposals include anything from a flash mob to skydiving while holding a sign that reads, ‘I’m Falling 4 U, PROM?”

Years ago, prom traditions were different from what they are now. Some schools celebrated by having a pre-prom red carpet, where family and friends would attend to cheer you and your partner down the aisle. Another tradition was taking a limo to the prom to make a stylish entrance. Wearing an elegant ball gown was also more common, with taffeta and tulle being the “it” fabrics of the time, but now prom is more lenient to what you wear as long as it’s formal. A popular fashion in the past is evident in pictures of Grayslake Central’s past proms – wearing a prom pashmina, a delicate arm scarf worn around the shoulders to replace a coat.