Parkland Prom Takes Students To The Big City

Big city. Bright Lights. Allentown may be miles from Manhattan, but Parkland’s prom brought the allure of the Big Apple to the Queen City, at least for a night.

About 1,000 Parkland High School students packed the Palace Center on Hanover Avenue in Allentown May 7 for the 2011 Senior Prom.

“This year’s theme was big city lights. We had urban landscapes and centerpieces themed around New York, Las Vegas, Pittsburgh and other big cities,” said Alicia Hutchison, vice president of the Class of 2011.

The girls dazzled in their dresses, while the boys stepped out in style in their suits. Limos lined the parking lot for the biggest event of the school year.

“It’s the big end-of-the-year event that everyone looks forward to. Everyone’s all dressed up. My favorite is being with friends and dancing,” Hutchison said.

And dance they did. There were even camera crews capturing all of the dance floor fun on film. The video was streaming live on huge screens on the wall. The set-up sought to imitate the atmosphere of a New York City nightclub.

“It wasn’t a typical flowery  prom. It was more of a club vibe. It was really hot in there because everyone was dancing and having a good time,” Hutchison added.

But the night wasn’t over once the dancing was. Post-prom back at Parkland High School was packed full of food, fun, and fabulous prizes.

One lucky student arrived to prom in a limo, and left in a brand new PT Cruiser. Quite the goodie bag gift!

Other giveaway items included iPads, laptops, iPods, and cash prizes. A hypnotist also entertained the crowd.

“It was crazy. He told them to go dance when he said ‘Let’s party.’ They danced, and didn’t remember anything when he told them to wake up. I don’t know how he did it!” notes Hutchison.

Connor Tench and Ally Armstrong were named 2011 Prom King and Queen.

“I was so excited, at first I seriously thought I was going to cry because I was so overwhelmed. It was great knowing that a lot of people at prom, including my friends and teachers, were pulling for me. I just couldn’t believe I won prom queen. You always see it in the movies and TV shows, but I never actually thought it would be me! It’s for sure something I will never forget!” Armstrong said.

But the party in the Palace Center gave every prom-goer the chance to feel like royalty…at least for the night.