Running frantically down the aisles of Group USA, senior Alex Groves scrolls rapidly through the “WSHS Class of 2017 PROM Page” on Facebook. Sweat beads on her forehead as her eyes scan the screen, making sure no one else has posted a picture of her dress.

“If someone wore the same dress as me, I don’t know what I’d do. Probably move to Canada,” said Groves.

Choosing a dress is only one of the extensive preparations required for the fast-approaching senior prom in June. WS seniors have been hard at work since September securing prom groups, swiping through Pinterest for hair and makeup inspiration, and scoping out prom dates.

“I’ve calculated how much all my prom plans will cost, and it’ll be around five thousand dollars,” said senior Derek Briggs.

Many students have reported that this year’s prom expenses may put their families in serious debt.

“I’ve considered cutting some stuff out to save money, but I just don’t think it’s possible,” said senior Julia Scott, searching the Internet for the best helicopter company to hire for her grand prom entrance.

“Man, I wish prom were less expensive,” said senior Mary Smith, musing over which four hundred dollar prom dress to buy.

Almost as stressful as the financial demands are the many challenges of finding a date to prom. Many girls without significant others have resorted to putting out ads in local newspapers, radio stations, and television channels to attract dates.

“At this point, it’s really my only option. If I don’t get a date to prom, do I even have a chance of ever getting married someday?” said senior Anna Thomas.

Other students, however, are anxiously anticipating the elaborate ways in which their significant others will ask them to prom. Many “promposals” have already taken place. Senior Joe Green’s promposal to senior Sarah Parker included two large elephants, two hundred dollars worth of Godiva chocolate, and six pounds of glitter confetti.

“So romantic. I wonder how he’s going to top that when he proposes to marry me,” said Parker with a gleam in her eye that witnesses described as “psychotic.”

“Yeah, it was totally my idea. No influence from her whatsoever,” said Green, wincing and stroking his depleted wallet.

With only months left until prom, WS is a whirlwind of Facebook page stalking, prom group chat texting, and nail salon appointment making.
“I’ve been planning for this since August, but I should have started at least six months earlier,” said senior Tori Carter.
“We’re too late,” said senior Kelly Martinez, poring over a picture of the prom dress she had bought seven months ago. “Just too late.”