Once upon a prom night clear

After 9 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, Blazers will arrive from elegant dinners around town to gather in the Bethesda Hyatt's Crystal Ballroom for Prom 2003.

As Blazers step off escalators into the ballroom, each girl will receive a rose, and everyone will receive a commemorative booklet with a souvenir purple and blue goblet, according to senior class officer Rosa Lozano.

Professional photos are available at additional cost, with the packages starting at $16 for two three-by-five portraits. Students will have the choice of either a traditional gray background or a black backdrop adorned with stars.

Another highlight of the night will be the "sumptuous buffet," senior class sponsor Norman Stant assures. The cuisine will be comprised of mostly finger foods—as opposed to a full meal—including shrimp, cheeses, egg rolls and fresh fruit with chocolate dipping sauce.

Hyatt caterer Rosemarie Tolbert says that the catering is one factor that high schools such as Blair, Whitman, Churchill and Good Counsel have considered in their decision to return each year. "They've been happy with food presentation and impressed with the food we've given them," she says.

Out on the dance floor, DJ Donald Peterson of Bialek's Music will man the speakers, playing a wide variety of music this year to accommodate the tastes of all dancers, according to Stant. "That was one of the problems with last year's prom," Stant explains. "The music was all one-sided."

Junior Emily Renderos was disappointed with the selection and hopes for a more intimate experience this weekend. "Tell them not to play rap songs like last year," she remarks. "That wasn't romantic."

As for possible freak dancing limits at the dance, most Blazers aren't concerned. Junior Maryam Bengaga questions, "How do you freak dance with a nice dress on?"

Some Blazers aren't putting too much thought into the entire night, much less dancing, as many notice a lack of excitement for prom. Having prom wedged in the weekend between seniors' final exams doesn't help in heightening anticipation for the event either, says senior Makda Semere. In general, she says, "The senior class is just motivated on leaving."

Others are still eager for the dance, and although some students might not know what's in store for Saturday, Blazers such as senior Antonia Olatunde are excited by their predictions for the night. "They say it's like a mini-wedding," she explains with a laugh.

Among those looking forward to a special night is senior Lorpu Kpadeh who designed a gown for the event. "I'm pretty excited about my dress," she says, seated in the senior courtyard, describing her garment's unique features from bustline to hemline.

Senior Jackie Jones chimes in with her perspective as she munches on a sandwich. "Prom is prime opportunity for [Lorpu] to look ridiculous," she declares.

"Actually, prom has been the only reason I wake up in the morning," Kpadeh says, cracking a slight smile. She composes her face almost immediately, adding, "seriously."