DeMatha Catholic High School has a rich tradition of proms in its 77 years of existence. The prom consists of only upperclassmen and their dates. The students are able to showcase their style and use what DeMatha has taught them to be dressed for prom. The prom was celebrated May 3 at the College Park Marriott Hotel. The prom started at 7:00 pm, with dinner starting promptly at 7:30.
DeMatha was very serious this year about the doors being closed at 8:00 sharp. DeMatha’s dean of students, Mr. Dickerson, half-jokingly said that “if you and your date arrive at prom after 8:00, you guys are better off going to eat at IHOP.” The prom ended at 11:00, but students were permitted to leave at 10:30 pm.
Many teachers look forward to the prom, because they get the chance to see DeMatha students at their best. Teachers also shed concerns for this night though, because they know that once the students are out of their hands, there isn’t a lot they can do. Mr. Bright was very serious about making sure that we “have each other’s backs” because he knew that there would be things going on after the prom.
The students seemed to enjoy the prom. Senior Caleb Barley said, “I loved the energy in the building, and was happy that I went to the prom.” He rated his prom experience a 7/10, and said that the choice of music in his opinion could have been better. Our assistant dean, Mr. James O’Conner, said that “the prom went well, students behaved the correct way, and it seemed that everyone had a good time.”
Mr. Dickerson said he advised students that “this is a celebration, have fun and to be safe and responsible. Don’t do something to mess up your evening.” Fr. Josh Warshak said all the DeMatha students looked really great. “It’s nice to see the guys in a different environment,” he added. The advice he gave to the upperclassmen was to hold on to their suits and “to remember that you only get one chance to make a good first impression.”
All in all, the 2024 DeMatha prom was a success and it seems as if everyone in attendance agreed. Next year, the classes of 2026 and 2025 will be permitted to attend prom and, hopefully, they are able to enjoy it the way the students did this year!
