Prior to graduation, there is still one event seniors at Woodland are looking forward too- prom. Most kids, especially girls, spend all their high school years thinking about who they might take as a date, what their dress will look like, and where it might be. Something that not everyone thinks about when planning this once-in-a-lifetime event is the cost. Things that need to be paid for include tickets, hair, makeup, a dress, a tuxedo, food, transportation, and of course pictures.

When all the costs are broken down, the cost comes around to almost 1,000 dollars! That is between two people, but still a giant cost to be paid by senior students and their parents. Hair can be up to $50, makeup $30, the dress between $200-$500, the tuxedo $100, food $20, a limo between six people is $50, pictures and flowers $100, and the ticket, which can be anywhere up to $100.

Things that students often overlook during all the stress of junior and senior year, however is fundraisers. The best way to bring down prices for the very expensive tickets is through various fundraisers that can be started as early as freshman year. Many do not think about it until it’s almost too late. The class president along with their secretary, treasurer, historian, and vice president all work together to come up with ideas to help their class. Some of the ideas that have been done at Woodland are the Flight fundraiser (a trampoline park in New Britain), Buffalo Wild Wings in Waterbury, car washes in the spring of every year, a book sale, and Froyo World in Cheshire. With these fundraisers, students from all of Woodland are urged to come to the desired location, spend time with their friends, and have fun. Usually around 25% of the total profit made that night from students goes to the prom tickets.

Prom can be an expensive event, but by supporting your class and attending a variety of fundraising events this cost can be lowered and prom tickets can become much more affordable.