On Saturday, May 16, the Hilton Hotel hosted SBHS Dons at prom. The Associated Student Body (ASB) arranged the hotel’s rotunda beautifully, with streamers of cloth placed neatly around. Dons danced the night away while enjoying chocolate-covered strawberries, churros, popcorn, a wide array of candy and cookies, and a mocktail table full of drinks made by SBHS students.
Seniors in ASB came together to pick the 2026 prom theme: “Starry Night,” inspired by Vincent van Gogh. Dons gathered together from 7-10 p.m. in their finest suits and dresses.
The 10 students nominated by their fellow Dons for prom court were Cooper Story, Siena Wilson, Henry Becker, Ember Reiter, Jackson McDermott, Stella Kellet, Nicole Buist, Naralyn Podratz, Alondra Granados, and Pietro Nascente.
“I was pretty surprised when they announced my name. I was very glad that I had a couple friends on the court with me, just so I wouldn’t be alone. I think Cooper and Siena [will win] because they’re already a couple,” said McDermott.
Wilson agreed, saying, “I felt super excited and more calm because I had friends doing this with me. I’m sure Henry Becker and Cooper Story will be the winners.”
Along with Wilson and McDermott, other prom court nominees added in saying “how surprised and excited they were.”
Every year at the senior assembly the week of prom, a member of the court choreographs a dance that the court must perform in front of their class. After their performance, the court plays a few games, such as “Name That Tune” and “Found in the Audience,” a game where both teams have a list of items they need to find in the crowd of seniors. Later, seniors vote on who they nominate for king and queen.
At around 8:30 p.m., Lauren McFadden and Pablo Villagomez announced the prom king and queen. The winners were Pietro Nascente and Naralyn Podratz.
“I was definitely shocked when I won. I couldn’t really hear my name because everyone was cheering for Pietro. Once everyone was clapping, I joined. My friends were chanting my name, and that’s when I realized,” said Podratz.
Nascente said, “I was very happy that people chose me to be Prom King. I didn’t expect to win. I thought two girls would win. Either way, I was super excited.”
To wrap up prom, ASB took everything down, and the Hilton Hotel was back to normal. As seniors get ready for graduation, they create memories that will last a lifetime.
