Getting Ready for Prom 2011: A Night To Remember

students, 45 in all,  gathered at the home of Kendal Mello, 18, on Saturday evening for a small celebration and photo shoot before catching a bus to prom, this year being held Downtown at the Biltmore Millenium Hotel.

The girls, decked out in elegant gowns; the boys, dashing in tuxes, mingled, toasted and posed for photos. "I'm going with Elliot Cutbill,” said Mello, who was wearing a floor-length charcoal gown with sequins that her mom ordered online. “I've known most everyone a long time, but Elliot and I have known each other since first grade, so it's really fun."  

The majority of the people have dates but not everyone," she said.

According to parent Paula Shuster-Roberts, the modern embodiment of the prom is much more fun than when she was in high school. “All the stress is taken off because the kids all go together and have a good time,” she said. “They are not worried about finding a date. You pair off, you don't pair off, it doesn't matter. You are never just standing there saying, 'I'm not going to go'. Of course you are going to go! All of your friends are going!  It's a big party, we are all going to go and have a good time together."

Patch's Youth Perspective’s blogger, Jamie Hershman, was going to the prom with date Ben Katz. "To me, it means it's the final night I get to dress up, be with all my friends from high school, the last celebration for us. It's kind of bittersweet but I'm just very excited."

While waiting for the bus to arrive, three friends socialized in the garden of Mello's beautiful home. Wearing a kelly green gown, Saba Salekfard, who will be studying architecture at Cal Poly after graduation, said she was very excited about the evening ahead.  “The experience is about building a good memory with my friends and making it a lifetime memory."  

For pal Laurie Shultz (wearing a stunning pale yellow gown), who will be heading off to Moorpark in the fall, prom was all about a fun night with friends and celebrating senior year.   

The third of the trio, Camille Mahlknecht, who will be playing basketball at Cal State Northridge, waxed a bit nostalgic in her glamorous deep purple dress. "It’s about the last hurrah of high school, and its the last chance to show everyone who you really are,” she said.

A quick survey of the girls revealed that their dresses came from a myriad of sources, such as David's Bridal, Macy's, Windsor, an antique shop and various local malls. Many of the gentlemen wore matching accessories, such as ties and cumber buns that complemented their date's attire. 

Hayden Brodsky said he was looking forward to the evening, "Oh yeah," said Brodsky, looking dashing in his tuxedo. “I just plan on having fun at prom and trying to make the best of it.”