The atmosphere is expected to be electric, with music pulsating through the air and vibrant lights illuminating the dance floor. Students will move in sync with the rhythm, immersed in the excitement of the evening. This year, West Chicago Community High School is hosting prom at one of the city’s most famous destinations: Navy Pier. As students enjoy the festivities, it’s important to remember the expectations for behavior at prom.
As the night unfolds, the excitement will be especially noticeable for seniors who have eagerly anticipated this final high school moment. However, it’s essential for all students to recognize that their choices can have serious consequences.
“I think it just keeps a good environment and everyone’s just having a good time and enjoying themselves,” senior Hugo Cadena said.
Any decision that violates rules or guidelines could lead to involvement with the Chicago police, which can quickly turn a fun night into a stressful situation. It’s crucial to stay mindful of the guidelines to make the most of this unforgettable event. Following the established rules not only ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, but also helps maintain the integrity of the evening.
“So, part of the security team at Navy Pier does include off-duty Chicago police officers,” Activity Director Marc Wolfe said. “They handle security there, and if there are any legal issues, they would handle that, since it’s their property and we’re in the city of Chicago.”
As graduation approaches, it’s important for seniors to be on their best behavior—especially during prom. For spring athletes, making poor choices at such a significant occasion can have consequences that extend beyond just one night. Even though the school year is winding down, misconduct can impact eligibility to participate in sports—or even affect graduation status.
“Obviously, we’re close to graduation, so seniors need to be on their best behavior,” Wolfe said. “If you’re a spring athlete, consequences for behavior at a school event could apply to that too.”
“It’s a school event, so all school rules apply,” Wolfe added. “It’d be the same as if somebody misbehaved during the school day—they’d face some type of consequences.”
With graduation on the horizon, it’s vital for all seniors to uphold a standard of good behavior during prom. Spring athletes must be especially aware that any poor decisions could affect their eligibility for competitions, even in these final weeks of the year. This is a time to celebrate hard work and achievements—and to remain responsible.
“I’m not really too aware of the rules, but they should definitely be enforced—especially when we’re outside of school,” senior Giovanni Andrade said. “Students who misbehave should be dealt with correctly.”
Prom at Navy Pier this Friday is set to be an unforgettable event, with high expectations for a night that is both fun and memorable. But it’s important to remember that actions have consequences, and staying responsible is key to finishing the year strong.
“It’s a celebration of the school year. It’s a time for students to be with friends, to unwind a little, and get dressed up. It’s kind of a rite of passage,” Wolfe said.
“I think having a great venue helps, and we’re doing that this year,” he added. “Good food, a good DJ, and an overall positive atmosphere for the night really help make it a successful event. I’m excited for it.”
