On Saturday, April 10, Gentry High School hosted its junior/senior prom at the Cypress Barn in Siloam Springs. After much speculation about whether or not the prom would happen, the junior class and their sponsors were able to pull together an amazing event for the Gentry students.
The theme of the prom was the 1920s inspired by and based on The Great Gatsby. The barn was decorated in black, silver and gold, with a coffee bar, photo booth and refreshment area. Students enjoyed a night of dressing up and dancing with their peers, making memories they won't forget.
GHS Prom Royalty
Mrs. Katina [Fredrick], junior class sponsor, expressed her thoughts on the prom: "I feel like prom was a huge success! With approximately 3 weeks to plan for prom, we tried to keep the setup fairly simple. We had close to 150 students attend. We were so excited that we were able to even have a prom this year!"
Toward the end of the dance, Mrs. [Jade] Riley got everyone's attention to announce the 2021 GHS prom king and queen. Senior Isaiah Lopez was crowned prom king, but there was a tie for the queens. Instead of making the seniors revote, two queens were crowned. Seniors Megan McCollum and Ashlyn Little made history by becoming the first GHS double prom queens.
"Prom was such a special evening to get to share with my classmates! Sharing prom queen with Ashlyn, and Isaiah being crowned king, was something we've all been curious about since we were young tots, and such an honor. This year has definitely looked different, but being able to finish off with a full gathering will remain a wonderful memory," said McCollum.
Lopez said, "I had an amazing time at my senior prom. I was really surprised when they announced that I was being crowned King. It was the most magical night of my life."
"Getting to be crowned as a prom queen was one of those things you dream about as a little girl and it was so exciting for it to actually happen. It was so memorable to be crowned as a double queen with Megan and for Isaiah to be king. I know we will all remember that moment forever. The entire prom was great and I had such a great time with my friends and classmates, I will certainly miss this part of high school," Little said.
After the prom, several students attended the after-prom breakfast hosted by senior parents at the Hillside Lanes Bowling Alley in Gentry. Sixty students attended the breakfast with $4,000 in cash and gift cards and $2,000 in gifts and prizes to be won.
Senior parent Shelly Sikes explained, "I believe the bowling alley was a big hit. We had food donated by individuals and local businesses as well. I am glad I have gotten to be a part of the Prom Breakfast Committee. I hope the kids had fun and will tell others what a fun/good time they had and more will attend next year."
Overall, the prom was a huge success. Gentry High School was happy to be able to host a normal event for this year's juniors and seniors. Congratulations to Megan, Ashlyn and Isaiah on being GHS prom royalty.