Saturday, April 19, was a night to remember as upperclassmen and more from Spartanburg High School gathered for a night of Prom at Indigo Hall in downtown Spartanburg. Going for a theme of “Diamonds and Dice,” students were encouraged to dress up as a night in Vegas with dazzling dresses and tuxedos. The venue was filled with playing card decorations and diamond shaped cake-pops, as well as a red carpet for students to enter the dance on. The Student Council team worked especially hard to make this Prom one of the best.
In addition to the casino themed festivities, 2025 was the first year that Spartan High hosted a disc jockey (DJ) inside Indigo Hall, and a live band who performed outside with slower, more laid-back music. There was also a photo booth for students to take fun pictures with their date or groups of friends.
Estella Tatu (11) enjoyed everything about prom this year, from the food to the music, everything was exactly what she hoped for.
“Everything was amazing, the venue was so pretty, the foods were amazing, and my favorite part was the music which most of the time was hyping me up when I got bored. I also loved the decorations so much. I loved the vase with the water and dice in it—I couldn’t stop taking pictures of it,” Tatu said. “I didn’t really like the theme first time I heard it, but I got to Prom and saw everyone was participating in it and I immediately loved this theme. Prom was amazing and one of my best memories of this year.”
To celebrate the history of Prom and the excitement of being a senior, the Prom King and Queen tradition continues strong, with this year’s winners being Travis Miller (12) and Blessing Littlejohn (12). The two worked hard to campaign on platforms like Instagram and around the school.
Omner Grinder (12) is a student at Spartanburg High who worked extremely hard to campaign and be nominated for Prom King. Coming in second place, he is proud of his work and dedication.
“I enjoyed getting to do fun things and trying to get my name out there. Getting to try and do word play and be fun and intriguing was really fun,” Grinder said.
Of course, Prom wouldn’t be Prom without a little chaos. While dancing was in session, the Prom King and Queen’s crown and sash was up for display, providing suspense just before the crowning of Prom King and Queen at 10 p.m. When it came time for the crowning, suddenly, the Queen’s crown had been stolen. Prom was paused as the lights came on and people frantically searched for the missing crown. After no luck, a kind student, who had a tiara to go with their Prom outfit, offered to share it with the Prom Queen.
Despite the mishaps, prom continues to be a fun and encouraging time for students to dress up, spend time with friends and take fun pictures beforehand. The first documented Prom in the United States occurred in 1879, evolving from formal events, encouraging young adults to learn skills of etiquette and formalities, however later trickled down to high school students to appreciate and celebrate everything they have accomplished within the year.
Blessing Littlejohn (12) had an exciting night, leaving prom with the title of Prom Queen. She enjoyed the decorations and music especially this year, happy to go out with a bang.
“Winning Prom Queen was fun and exciting because I really didn’t think I was going to win. I enjoyed Prom a lot more this year than last year because everyone was just being themselves. I really enjoyed winning Prom Queen and being able to have my friends with me,” Littlejohn said.
This night was truly unique, with an interesting theme and the incredibly accommodating space of Indigo Hall. Students enjoyed the festivities outside in the courtyard, as well as the inside space to eat and dance. Teachers came together and served refreshments such as cake pops, sweet tea, lemonade, fruit kabobs and more. Afterwards, students typically host or attend afterparties, allowing for a night of continuous social festivities. Overall, April 19 was a night filled with laughter and joy to celebrate the achievements of seniors and other upperclassmen.
