The Hassles of Prom

Finally, the time had come for the Sienna Metro High's annual Prom. For weeks, single boys had been searching all over the school, trying to find dates for themselves, while the single girls took their time selecting their dates out of the numerous options. Of course, their first choice was, and always would be, Samuel Griffin but with his commitment to Elizabeth Smith, they had no other choice that to find the next best guy on their lists.

The Prom was one of the most anticipated events that happened in most high schools every year. It was attended primarily by final year students and only a few sophomores, freshers and outsiders could take part provided they were invited as dates.

The established Prom committee went all out, intending on having the best prom night as compared to previous years or the years to come. They had managed to acquire sponsorships from influential personalities all over the city including Bernard Griffin, who gave the greatest sponsorship upon his son's request. It was a well-known fact that his son was a final year student at the High school so such a donation from him was not too surprising.

Samuel and Elizabeth had spent the month before the event, preparing for it as part of the Prom committee. With the funds from the sponsorships that almost exceeded a million dollars, they had a wide array of activities that could be included in the itinerary of the Prom night. With so much to choose from, the committee decided to stick to the basics.

Sticking to the basics meant, they followed the basic plan for any Prom out there. They had secured a nice venue close to the school's premises with adequate facilities and security. Specialists had been hired to take care of the decorations and themes, the lighting, the food and refreshments, entertainment and music, as well as photography.

Even though they decided to stick with the basics, having such a huge budget meant, nothing was off limits within those set parameters. The date of the prom was set for the last Saturday of that month and publications were sent out.

"Huh! All the preparations are finally over", McCollin, the chairman of the Prom committee sighed as he placed a stack of papers down. "Good work everyone. We'll be able to leave early today", Karen, the Student Council Secretary, serving the role of the secretary on the Prom committee, said as she collected the stack of papers and organized them into the files before her. "It's hard work but it's really fun. I can't wait to see all our hard work bear fruit on that day", Elizabeth added and Samuel nodded in agreement.

"Now, it's time for the second phase; the nominations for the Prom King and Queen", McCollin announced to the group who perked up in excitement.

"We'll probably have a lot of contenders nominating themselves for this. I suspect three of you will be nominated as well", Karen said looking at her colleagues in the room. "Wait, isn't it against the policy to run for prom King or Queen whilst being on the committee?" Samuel asked quite perplexed with Karen's statement.

"Not this year. I forgot to mention this but, for this year, and all others after it, the prom committee will no longer be responsible for handling the nominations. The school has set up a vetting committee of staff and non-staff that will be responsible for handling it. We are therefore, free to nominate ourselves if we so desire", McCollin informed them.

"Hmm! Well, either way, I've never been too interested in standing out in public so I'll pass. How about you?" Samuel turned to Elizabeth and asked. "Same. Seems like a hassle", Elizabeth replied.

"That's ironic coming from two of the prettiest people in the school, but, knowing both of you, I'm very sure you mean what you are saying", Karen said and they all laughed.

"Anyway, that concludes today's meeting. The information will be passed on to the entire school tomorrow during the morning announcement. This meeting is adjourned", McCollin announced and stood to his feet.

"Enjoy your evening everyone", Karen said as she and the couple rose to their feet as well and exited the room together.

Early the next morning, as the students sat in their various classrooms having home room, a low siren sounded out of the speakers found in each room, drawing all attention to it. The announcer's feminine voice came over the speakers and greeted the students, proceeding to deliver all the usual daily news to the student body.

A few minutes later, the announcer was done with the daily news and starting to deliver the news about the upcoming and anticipated Prom night. The students were updated on all the arrangements put in place by the committee, and were informed that, the other part of the pre-prom night that everyone looked forward to; nominating the candidates for Prom king and Queen, was finally opened.

The announcer proceeded to give instructions on how the nominations would go. The policy involved in the nominations were divulged and the new system of vetting the nominees was also announced.

The speakers beeped when the announcement ended, leaving the students hyped for what was to come next. It took a while for the teachers to retake their attention and continue with their homerooms.

When it was time for Lunch, the students didn't even think of food but only thought of the opening of the nominations that was announced. they quickly took their phones and flooded the designated school online platform with nominations.

Applying school policy, requirements were put in place. Following the requirements, the vetting committee were able to shortlist a total of twenty nominees out of seventy; ten males and ten females, to be voted for, for the position of Prom King and Queen.

Unsurprisingly, as two of the most popular people in the school, Samuel and Elizabeth were of course among the students nominated to be Prom King and Queen, and upon meeting all the requirements of the vetting committee, they found themselves among the shortlisted nominees.

Similar to their situation, McCollin and Karen were also nominated and were among the shortlisted nominees. Though not as unsurprising as Samuel and Elizabeth's nomination, it still came as a shock to them.