Juniors, seniors set to don formal wear for 2008 prom
By BRENDA SOMMER bsommer@leader-news.com

El Campo High School's juniors and seniors are ready to don their tuxedos and gowns and head to the prom Saturday night, but they won't be blowing into breathalyzers to attend the event.

"No, there's no breathalyzer this year that I know of," said prom sponsor and teacher Maria Urban. For the first time, students at Louise High School were required to perform the test prior to entering the prom last month, but El Campo has never had such a policy.

All focus, instead, will be on the glamour and fantasy of this year's event, which has the theme of "Hollywood Stars."

"It's very elegant," Urban said. "The decor is composed of Rodeo Drive, a Walk of Fame with kids names as stars, and they're even going to have a little screening room-type seating area with tables and chairs so the students can sit and visit."

Once students make their grand entrances via limousines and other fancy conveyances, the prom will kick off with its Grand March at 8 p.m.

"Then we'll have the dance with the parents, then the parents have to leave by 9 o'clock," Urban said.

While the prom is supposed to last until midnight, "it's been my experience most kids leave after they announce prom king and queen," Urban said.

That announcement will take place between 11:15 and 11:30 p.m.

"We try to keep the kids there as long as we can, so they can enjoy themselves," Urban said. "They're all on their own after they leave the prom."

Entrance to the event is free. The party, including snacks, security, decorations and a deejay, is paid for by money the junior class earned through fundraisers all year long.

"It cost about $4,000," Urban said. "The beverages were donated by Coca-Cola, and we appreciate it so much."

Urban said the students are excited about Saturday's dance.

"They are excited, but I'm kind of stressed out," she said with a laugh. "But they're a joy, and I love working with them."