What is widely regarded as the most important social event for high schoolers all over America is quickly approaching. As for LSE, upperclassmen will be arriving at Courtside Banquet Hall on April 11 for the most mythical prom yet. Prom can be a fun-filled night and break from the year’s academic work. However, hard work doesn’t stop for the Prom Committee.
Prom Committee sponsor Kendra Parson has been meeting with her club since the beginning of the school year, brainstorming ideas for how to make the best possible prom for LSE. One big change being made this year is the ticket buying process. Before picking up tickets at lunch, students will have to fill out a request form.
Parson’s hope is that this year the whole ticket buying process will be a lot less tedious.
“[Students] won’t have to wait in line, find out they have a fee or fine, go wait in line to pay their fee or fine and then wait in line again to buy their tickets,” Parson said.
A quicker and easier procedure may be especially helpful for students considering that prom lands on a three-day week. This change is only a small glimpse into how much thought goes into prom from behind the scenes. As for the 2026 prom theme; decision making was not taken lightly.
“Some of my committee members said they started thinking about a theme and looking at Pinterest at the beginning of the year. It’s their event, so I let them lead that discussion and provide most of the ideas,” Parson said. “Several of the Prom Committee members liked the idea of an Ancient Greek theme.” The theme is specifically titled “Aphrodite’s Ball” based on the ancient Greek goddess of beauty and love.
Deciding factors included the theme being easily recognizable but still unique, as well as formal. Students also took care to get creative with the name of the theme.
“I love their originality and how passionate they are about it,” Parson said. “The Prom Committee really wanted to go all out on decorations this year. We are going to do our best to make it amazing.”
The student members of the committee aren’t the only ones treating prom like a passion project. Parson is going all out, even building decorations for the event with her husband. Parson says you can expect to see plenty of columns, flowers, and Greek statues to set the perfect mood.
Parson also sent out a music request form to upperclassmen with the intention of meeting everyone’s unique musical needs.
Given that Parson and the Prom Committee are doing everything they can to make the 2026 prom perfect, as well as the fact that “several thousand dollars” go into making prom night magical, one might find it worth the effort to follow the theme and take things to the next level. However, with the theme being “Aphrodite’s Ball” students might wonder how to dress for the occasion while still aligning with contemporary fashion.
OPINION: How to Style Prom 2026
When approaching the theme there are multiple angles to take. Students could draw inspiration from ancient Greece, contemporary Mediterranean aesthetics or completely fantastical imaginings of Greek mythology.
One of the most important parts of dressing on theme is choosing the correct silhouette. Shape language, above all else, helps evoke whatever time period or aesthetic you’re interested in representing. Some silhouettes to keep an eye out for are empire waistline, sheath, slip, and drop waist.
Another crucial element to pay attention to is material and color. Thankfully, students have some great examples of Grecian inspired evening wear to look to. In the 1930s western fashion began to reflect an ancient Greek aesthetic as a form of escapism during The Great Depression, so they got really good at imitating that style. They utilized light weight fabrics like chiffon and silk, as well as techniques like pleating, and most of all, lots of draping. A combo of these components would definitely aid in your attire reading as on theme.
As for colors one could go with classic whites and beiges, given that most people associate Ancient Greece with an all-white palette. This is definitely not the only option though, as dye was fairly common back then. I’d choose jewel tones or any shades of blue if you want to breathe some life into your outfit.
This prom would also be the perfect excuse to wear your hair natural. Embrace messy curls and waves just as the ancient Grecians did. As opposed to natural hair I would recommend doing fun, colorful makeup. This will bring a contemporary edge to your look while still staying on theme in all other elements; think Zara Larsson, Pat McGrath, and Thomas De Kluyver.
Most importantly, take big swings with your attire. You only have so many school dances to attend, and even fewer proms; you might as well dress to the nines. After all, Parson and the Prom Committee only want the absolute best event it can be.
“I want this event to be something that is talked about the rest of the year. Our kids work so hard all year in school, and they deserve to have a special night that is all about them,” Parson said.
Don’t be afraid to play your part in the 2026 LSE prom going down in history by dressing in a way that makes you feel fabulous.
