Reese Skalicky ‘23, Ali Williams ‘23, Nora Haney ‘23, Kenzie Kelly ‘23 and Reagan Skalicky ‘23 smile together at their senior prom in 2023.
While many are looking forward to the night they’ve anticipated for years, the planning process is proving to be overwhelming. From finding the perfect dress and date to organizing rides and after-party plans, there is much to consider. However, despite the stress, one thing remains clear: Mounties are eager to make unforgettable prom night memories.
Excitement and Stress: A Balancing Act
“I’m really excited, and I feel like this is kind of a moment I’ve been waiting for my whole life, as we see prom portrayed in many movies as a big event. But now that I’m in this moment, I’m kind of stressed out and confused trying to figure out the logistics, the date…” Sophia Benamar ‘26 said.
Sophia Benamar ‘26 poses with her hand up at Mount formal 2025 pre pictures.
Sophia emphasizes both the excitement of the day and the stress that can come with it. When interviewing Mounties, we found that there were common factors students were worrying about: the date, the dress, and the details of the day.
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The Pressure of Finding the Perfect Dress
Many students are feeling anxious about making sure their dress fits properly and is ready in time.
“I have my date, but I don’t have my dress yet, so I’m worried about having time to get my dress figured out,” Ella Kurek ‘26 said.
Others have found their dress but are still dealing with alterations.
“An issue for prom is my dress fitting. I have it, but I need to get it altered and make sure it’s comfortable.” Katie Tropiano ‘26 said.
Prom During a Busy Time of Year
“I am looking forward to prom, but leading up to it can be kinda stressful. Especially just because there is a lot going on in the second semester, and finding a prom dress on top of that and a date can just be a lot,” Sarah Deitch ‘26 said.
Sarah Deitch ‘26 and Alexa Durand ‘26 at pre pictures from Mount formal 2025.
The Challenge of Finding a Date
Interestingly, the Junior Prom for Mount and Gwynedd Mercy Academy falls the same night. Mounties feel pressured to ask their dates early to ensure they don’t commit to Gwynedd’s dance first.
“I am very stressed. I have to find my dress and still have to ask my date. It is very overwhelming as there are limited dates because Gwynedd and Mount prom are on the same day, so there are limited boys from Prep and La Salle. Some of my friends from La Salle are also away for sports.” Kerri Keown ‘26 said.
Recognizing this challenge, some students have already secured dates to avoid conflict.
“I was worried about the dance being the same night as Gwynedd, which is why I already asked my date.” Sarah Deitch ‘26 said.
From left: Eddie Shevlin LSCHS ‘26, Ethan Smith SJP ‘26, Chase Carle SJP ‘26, Brendan Flaherty SJP ‘26, Tommy Morano SJP ‘26, Alexa Durand ‘26, Sarah Deitch ‘26, Katie Tropiano ‘26, Sally Reilly ‘26, Kerri Keown ‘26, Nora Massella ‘26 and Lily Friel ‘26 in the Photo Booth at Mount Formal 2025.
Beyond the Dress and Date: The Many Details of Prom Night
While dresses and dates are significant concerns, students also realize how many other details they must coordinate.
“I have my dress, but I need to figure out my hair, spray tan, nails, there is so much to do,” Alexa Buist ‘26 said.
Mounties are debating whether to do their hair and makeup, or finish them professionally.
“I usually do my own hair for dances, because prom is more of an important dance, I will probably get it done.” Alexa Durand ‘26 said.
Bella Feliciano ‘23, Veronica Cherico ‘23 and Mackenzie Guida ‘23 enjoying their time at Mount senior prom 2023.
The Stress of Transportation and After-Parties
Beyond getting ready for the dance itself, students are also dealing with logistics such as transportation and after-party plans.
“I am very stressed about it because I do have my dress, but then I have to worry about my date, rides… rides are definitely the most stressful.” – Michaela Ianieri ‘26 said.
Some students are planning more elaborate after-parties than they would for a typical homecoming or formal.
“I have a little stress for my after. We’re trying to get a house down the shore, and there are some details we need to figure out so we can move forward.” Katie Tropiano ‘26 said.
Others share similar concerns.
“The after and all that fun stuff is the main stressor, but overall, I am excited!” Alexa Buist ‘26 said.
Sally is a junior at the Mount and a staff writer for The Campanile. Outside of TheCampanile, Sally is the President of Breast Cancer Awareness Club, is apart of the Magic-Thon committee, and plays on the Mount’s golf team. When she’s not in school, Sally likes to spend time with family and friends and go to fun workout classes. Her go-to kareoke song is “Someone Like You” by Adele. She looks forward to contributing more of her writing to The Campanile!
Nora Massella is a junior staff writer on The Campanile. She reports and writes stories about the school and current news. Outside of The Campanile, Nora is on the Mount varsity field hockey team and is apart of Breast Cancer Awareness club. She likes to go shopping and go to workout classes with her friends. If Nora could have lunch with any fictional character, she would choose Brooke Davis from One Tree Hill.