Prom Night a Night to Remember

For young adults across the country, before they toss their graduation caps, prior to packing for college and long before setting out on their own, there is one night when the rest of their lives lies in wait and the promise of youth is second only to its pageantry.

It’s the night of all nights – Senior Prom.

For the Ledyard High School senior class of 2011, their night of nights was this past Saturday at the Mystic Marriott in Groton.

And although prom themes and post-prom parties are no longer a part of the prom experience, some things, like pre-prom parent photo opportunities, will never go out of style.

Amy Eakin has hosted the parent photo shoot prior to every dance over the past four years of her daughter Erica’s high school career. The first dance was a homecoming at which she served the kids garlic dip, spinach dip and onion dip.

“Yep, it was on purpose” she said laughiningly. “I’m not serving that tonight though”.

With over 100 seniors gracing Eakin’s front yard, she would have needed an awful lot of dip. As cars lined the street as far as the eye could see; it was clear this year has far exceeded years past in sheer numbers.

 “Last year wasn’t nearly as big” she said.

Things were also busy on Saturday night for the Joshua’s Limousine, based out of Ledyard. With prom season in full swing, chauffeur Alan Johnson had a full night ahead of him, as did his fellow drivers.

“Every car is out on the road tonight” he said “We don’t have a car in the building”.

Tasked with chauffeuring the prom goers safely is not something that Joshua’s Limousine service takes lightly Johnson explained.

“Each student must sign a Prom Promise, attesting that they will not drink alcohol, smoke or do drugs. They also can not make any unscheduled stops that have not been approved by their parent or legal guardian.”

With transportation safely taken care of, the seniors squeezed into one of the largest prom photos ever taken; a professional photographer was on site for the evening. Now there was only one thing left to do. Go to prom!

As the seniors arrived at the Mystic Marriott they cast their ballots for King and Queen and got in line for yet even more photo’s, while alternately chatting quietly and greeting each other excitedly before meandering into the waiting ballroom.

The DJ spun the hottest songs, while the wait staff stood poised to serve the meal as the tables filled up with couples and groups of seniors ready to begin the best night of their young lives.

So, with the whole night ahead of them and the world at their feet, the seniors of Ledyard High School didn’t have to take exams, finish papers or solve world problems; they only had other very important decisions to make, like whether or not to go to a late night movie after the prom or play glow in the dark ultimate Frisbee.