Every spring, the current junior class transforms a simple venue into a magical place for prom. The lights dim, music is playing, and for the night, students step into a different world. From enchanted forests to Hollywood red carpets, prom themes at HSE have reflected the spirit of each junior class over the years. Though the music changes and the dresses evolve, the themes offer a glimpse into the trends and creativity of students over the years.  

Yearbook photos can often provide a glimpse into prom from years ago. In the 1985-1986 school year, the theme was “The Best of Times,” held at the Indianapolis Athletic Club. At the venue, there was a marble staircase used for traditional photographs that the young couples posed in front of, and towards the end of the night prom king and queen Brad Enghaus and Shelia Brandenburg danced together after being crowned. Additionally, that school year, the most popular dress worn by many high schoolers was a dress that had a “drop waist,” and can be seen coming back into style nowadays.  

In 1991, the theme of the year was “A Sea of Love,” and the Winston Yacht and Country Club in Broad Ripple was the site of the night. Sponsored once again by the junior class, an outdoor patio overlooking the water added to the theme of the night, and many table centerpieces were seashells and sailboats.  

“I think everyone had a good time,” said junior class sponsor Marva Moore that year. “The evening was a success.”  

Typically, after prom, classmates go their separate ways, parties are thrown, and friends get together to celebrate late into the night. However, in 1993, the entirety of the junior and senior classes that year celebrated prom together at the Woodland Bowling Alley in downtown Indianapolis. Parents helped orchestrate this event, and students showed up with their friends and dates decked out in country attire to go with the “Wild Wild West” theme.    

Almost a decade ago in 2016, the theme of the night was Masquerade, and many students showed up with masks at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. That night, the prom king and queen were nominated, but the queen, Lindsey Schuler, had to leave prom hours earlier and had to opt for a different crowning experience.  

“When I got to the dance, Mr. Davidson gave me my sash for making [prom] court and then he said he’d FaceTime when prom court was being announced,” Schuler said. “So it was so fun to see it all happen live, and I loved that Matt [Woolfe] danced with my cutout.”

From disco balls to digital backdrops, prom themes have come a long way—but the goal remains the same: one night to dress up, dance, and have a fun time. The decorations may come down by morning, but the memories—and the yearbook photos—last far longer.