Attending high school prom is an event that many students look forward to for years. The crisp suits and extravagant dresses make for an exciting night for the Juniors and Seniors of Carmel. Students make the most of this fancy night and group with friends for pictures, dinner, and a night filled with joy.

Each year, it is the responsibility of the Junior class to put on the prom for the Seniors. This year the class of 2026 student government representatives decided the prom theme to be “Great Gatsby.” Every student at Carmel reads and watches The Great Gatsby during Sophomore year, so all of the upperclassmen understood what the night was going to be focused about. The decorations tied in references to the book, and really made The Great Gatsby come to life.

The dance was held on the top floor of the Springhill Inn and Suites in Uptown. This made for a gorgeous venue overlooking the skyline. Junior Trent Shepherd stated, “Taking pictures with people on the outside balcony was fun.” Throughout the night, students were able to go in and out from the balcony to take pictures or just enjoy the view. A professional photographer, Katie Spata, was walking around the balcony and inside taking pictures for students. 

There was also never a dull moment on the dance floor. The DJ was such a big hit from Homecoming that the Junior class decided to bring him back for prom. Senior James Edgerton said, “Dancing throughout the night was my favorite thing about prom.” Edgerton is known for his knowledge of music and often performs full routines during school dances. After Edgerton got the crowd energized, two popular faces stole the show. Seniors Abhishek Arvind was crowned Prom King, and Cat Connell was crowned Prom Queen. The two were officially crowned and given sashes to wear for the remainder of the night.

There was always something to do at the prom this year no matter mood you were feeling. If you were hungry, you could snack on some of Christina Gross’s wonderful desserts or go enjoy the chocolate fountain outside. If you wanted to chill, you could stand at a cocktail table and 

watch The Great Gatsby movie which was projected on one of the ballroom walls.

Junior Eli Chen stated, “I liked how the prom was set up this year. My friends and I had fun the entire time.”

Assisting the Junior class every year is British Literature and AP Lang teacher Meredith Mente. Mente helps lead all of student government and is a major help in every single Carmel event put on by each grade. Mente expressed how she was so proud of the hard work and countless hours spent on planning prom, and the junior class attributed the exact same to Mente. Lots of dedication went in to making prom a success, and next year’s upperclassmen eagerly await there prom coming in April of 2026.

Thank you to all the students, staff, and volunteers who made Prom 2025 so special!