The high school Prom Committee consisting of students and parents has been planning for the May 11 event and decided on an Enchanted Forest theme, a $5 ticket price increase and a new venue in downtown Columbus.
Heather Dixon, who helps with budgeting on the Prom Committee, explained individual prom tickets will cost $80, an increase from last year’s $75 tickets.
Dixon explained that the price was increased to accommodate the fact that the new, larger venue is more expensive than last year.
The choice of a larger venue is a result of student feedback from 2023 that revealed the previous space, Creekside Event Center, was not large enough to fit students comfortably.
Because students weren’t all able to sit down at the same time, this was one of the main areas for improvement among the committee members, Dixon said.
The newly selected space, The Columbus Athenaeum, located downtown at 32 N. 4th St., is believed by committee members to be much more fitting for the high school’s upperclassman population.
Dixon explained committee members think it is an amazing choice because of its sophisticated atmosphere, and it is worth the cost increase.
Tickets will be available for purchase on Payschools, an online website, to make ticket sales more accessible, Dixon added.
Jennifer McMaster, committee co-chair, explained that committee members worked long and hard to find a fitting space. She said that the majority of students from last year’s event preferred eating at the venue, which greatly influenced the choice of a dining-friendly area for this year.
“We wanted to make sure that there was a space large enough, and the venue was one of the few places that could accommodate 350 people,” she said. “It’s closer to Bexley, so it’s safe, and we want everyone to be able to drive there.”
Additionally, McMaster explained that committee parents aimed to put a huge emphasis on Prom being student driven, which was achieved through the development of the theme.
“Kids in the Prom Committee picked three themes, which were sent out in a schoolwide vote,” she said.
To complement the location, Ashley Pitts, chair of decorating, said this year’s theme will be Enchanted Forest.
Pitts most recently discussed construction ideas at a committee meeting March 13 and is continuing to work toward making the space unique and memorable, she added.
“The committee has done careful work finding pieces to construct and bring together to create a pleasing scene,” she said.
“The decorating committee members will use lots of natural elements to make you feel like you’re really in a forest,” Pitts added. “There will be lots of surprise side activities related to the Enchanted Forest theme, tying the whole backdrop together.”
Principal Jason Caudill sent out an email Monday, April 1 with a Google Form requesting playlist ideas for the dance. The form asks for song and artist name, allowing for students to influence the music at the event.
In order to better organize information and keep students informed about Prom updates, junior Isabel McBride explained the “Promposal” Instagram account will post information for students, rather than only promposals this year.
In addition, a parent-run account will be active and will post important details about dates for ticket sales as well, she added. The official Prom account handle is @bexleyprom24.
“The committee’s extensive work will produce an amazing and memorable night for students,” McBride said.
