The glamour. The red carpet. The camera flashes from the paparazzi. Truly, the 2026 EHS Prom is guaranteed to be a “Night in the Spotlight.”
Set to begin at 8 p.m. and conclude at 11 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, at Century Center in South Bend, it’s time for all to get ready for this gala ball. But, there’s no time to waste! Tickets are going quickly. And, in a short time–on April 24–the opportunity to include dinner with the ticket will no longer be an option.
Currently, tickets for the Prom alone are $35 per person. Guests wanting to dine at the Prom will pay $45 each.
As a part of the Junior planning committee, Emily Harmon is excited about this year’s event. “I would say I am excited for Prom,” she begins. “This process has been lots of work,” she adds, “so to see it all done is what I’m most excited about! It was hard to plan Prom,” Harmon confesses. “We are still working very hard [with the finishing touches,] but the process has been very long and has come with challenges. It has been so much hard work from me and my fellow students who are planning Prom with me.”
As with Harmon, once the commitment to attend is secure, guests are on the clock to get all the necessities for the event. There are the dresses to pick. What color? What length? Where to purchase one? And, then there’s the tuxes: White tux? Paisley tux? Tie? Bow tie? No tie at all?
Harmon states, “I am so excited to see everyone’s outfits because, as a school, we don’t get to come together many times to dress up and just have fun. Most importantly, I can’t wait to be all dressed up myself!”
While Harmon is not revealing what she will wear, the trending colors for this year seem to be Butter Yellow, Ice Blue, and Emerald Green, as well as anything with floral patterns. “Dreamy inspired romance,” is the trending phrase for style–which includes everything from floral appliques and corsets to ruffles and sleek satins.
As for the gentlemen, Emerald Green and Sapphire Blue and two top picks. Yet, pastels–including Lavender and Sage Green–are rising in popularity. Velvet lapels seem to be all the rage this year, as well. However, one can never go wrong with a basic black tux. “Classic” never goes out of fashion.
And, now…on to the flowers. Who is responsible for purchasing the corsage and boutonniere? Generally, each is responsible for purchasing for his or her date. While a simple wrist corsage featuring one to three flowers is common, more and more Prom goers are opting for a small hand-held bouquet. Likewise, more and more of the boutonnieres are being tucked into the jacket pocket rather than being pinned on the lapel. If choosing to do flowers at all, make sure that they coordinate with the dress or tux.
“Any Prom look requires organization: budgeting, researching what’s available,” states the online source The Conversation. “Finances, limited or otherwise, may constrain or restrict choice and result in problem solving or trade-offs. As the high school Prom occurs within a particular time frame, time management and the (online) ordering of products can contribute–or not–to the success of a desired prom outfit.”
While budgeting expenses, those attending will have to make the decision of how to arrive. Will it be a Cinderella Moment in a white limousine? Maybe it’s carpooling in Mom’s mini-van. Some have come to the conclusion that hiring an Uber is more practical. Online sources say that while limousines remain a “prevalent and timeless tradition,” Prom goers are less concerned about how they get there and more concerned with who they are going with.
“For Prom, I am going with one of my best friends,” Harmon states. “Him and I [sic] are so very excited for Prom. We can’t wait!”
A decision that Harmon and her date–as well as all attending the Prom–will have to make is whether to dine in, dine out, or not dine at all. So, what will they be serving at the ball? For only an additional $10 to the ticket price, guests can enjoy an extremely economical meal and not have to worry about making reservations at a fancy restaurant–or worry that the long drive-thru lane at McDonald’s will make them late.
This year, the menu features an incredibly well-stocked Mac-and-Cheese Station–complete with a variety of cheeses, as well protein add-ons: shrimp, barbecued pork, grilled chicken, and even bacon. Top off the entree with all sorts of fixings, from vegetables to sauces and, yes, more cheese! Or, opt for the Street Taco Bar and pile on the shredded chicken or pork on a flour or corn tortilla. Add an array of other toppings or sauces and the meal is complete!
Later in the evening, hungry guests can take advantage of the Snack Bar, where chips and salsa (as well as ranch and spinach dip) will be available. Or, on the sweeter side, enjoy an assortment of cookies and pastries. One soft drink will be included.
Although Prom is fun to go to, there can be moments when it’s a little stressful. There can also be a lot of pressure when getting ready–right down to one’s nails and hair. It also increases a teenager’s high expectations for perfection with the immense social media scrutiny.
“Prom can be one of the most important events in your high school experience–a special night to look forward to for months. For some people though, Prom can seem like just another reason to worry and feel stressed out. Even people who are looking forward to it can feel nervous.” shares Children’s Minnesota. In their article “Prom Pressure,” a variety of tips are offered on how to reduce both the anxiety of attending Prom, as well as ways to make it more affordable.
Harmon anxiously awaits the night. “I am absolutely making memories while at Prom!” Adding, she says, “Obviously, Prom is a highlight of high school years–and being able to attend is amazing! I mostly befriended Seniors,” Harmon concludes, “and having this time with them is so special and exciting for me!”
