On Friday, May 1st, 2026, Lakeview High School students celebrated prom through an evening of tradition and excitement. The night began with Prom Preview in the school auditorium, where prom participants were showcased and prom court was announced. Junior prince and princess Brayden Shanower and Trudi Herrholtz, along with senior king and queen Nathan Thomas and Sophia Shuster, were recognized before students continued to St. Demetrius Banquet Center for prom, where this year’s theme, “A Night of Corals and Crowns,” came to life.
Prom Preview set the tone for the evening, bringing students, families, and staff together in anticipation of the night ahead. Participants walked across the stage, showing off a wide range of dresses and suits that reflected both personal style and the soft coral tones of the theme. The event created an early sense of excitement and allowed students to celebrate one another before the formal dance began.
For junior Brayden Shanower, being named prince added a meaningful layer to the experience and made the night even more memorable: “It felt like such a surreal experience when I heard my name announced as prince, and it really shocked me. Being awarded prom prince was a moment I’ll always remember, and I’m really thankful for everyone who supported me.”
Following the preview, students traveled to St. Demetrius Banquet Center, where the atmosphere shifted into a fully immersive prom experience. The venue was decorated with soft coral tones, glowing lights, and crown-inspired accents that reflected the theme and created an elegant setting. Dinner was catered by DiLucia’s, giving students time to relax and enjoy the evening before heading to the dance floor.
As students arrived, it became clear how much effort had gone into preparing for the night. From classic tuxedos to intricately designed gowns, attendees embraced the theme while expressing their own personal style. The anticipation built throughout the evening as friends gathered for photos, conversations, and the start of the dance.
For many juniors, this marked their first prom experience, making the night especially exciting.
Junior Mya Davies reflected on the significance of attending for the first time and the memories she created throughout the evening: “As a junior, this was my first prom, and it definitely met my expectations. I enjoyed getting ready with friends, taking pictures, and being part of such a memorable event. It was exciting to finally experience something I had been looking forward to, and it made me even more excited for next year.”
As the music began, the dance floor quickly filled, led by a well-loved DJ, Lakeview science teacher Joshua Murphy. Students sang along, danced with friends, and kept the energy high throughout the night. Between songs, many took advantage of the photo booth and a rotating video recorder, capturing fun, candid moments with friends that added to the experience.
One of the most emotional moments of the evening came when the senior class song, “Vienna” by Billy Joel, began to play. Seniors gathered together in a circle, swaying back and forth as the song played, creating a powerful visual of unity and reflection. The moment stood out as a reminder of the connections built over the years and the significance of nearing the end of high school.
Reflecting on the evening as a whole, Senior Joscelyn Burkey emphasized the emotional weight of the event, “It’s hard to believe this was our last prom. The night felt especially meaningful because it was one of the final opportunities to be together as a class. Moments like the dancing and just being surrounded by everyone made it something I’ll always remember.”
From the excitement of Prom Preview to the unforgettable moments on the dance floor, “A Night of Corals and Crowns” brought the Lakeview community together. Prom 2026 will be remembered not only for its elegance and energy, but for the memories and connections that made the night truly special.
