Charger News

Prom 2003 promises a masked evening in Venice

Cassandra Kimberly , Charger Staff

Prom is just around the corner and as seniors scramble to make last minute preparations such as limousine rentals, dress alterations, and even arrangements for a prom date, plans for the 2003 prom have been in the works for weeks. This year’s theme was influenced by the input of the senior class.

“ When I met with the students at the beginning of the year, they wanted something different,” recalled Mitchell White.

With the help of student congress and senior class officers, the theme of a “Venetian Masquerade Ball” was brought to life through sketches and drawings by White, who not only is in charge of the big event but also teaches several art classes and the sometimes controversial media productions course.

There will be nothing controversial about the decor of prom, though. The elegant yet modern setting will be constructed with the help of Bruce Anderson’s technical theater class resembling “...the interior of a Venetian palace.”

On May 17, the Cookeville High School commons area will be almost magically transformed with several working fountains leading up to the entrance, which will be enclosed in a white tent illuminated by black lights.

Upon entering the Venetian utopia, the lucky prom goers will be greeted with the sounds of the Clarence Dobbins Revue, a highly respected and widely known rhythm and blues band that has performed in clubs and venues all over the state of Tennessee and surrounding states. The band will perform in three intervals with a DJ between each set to satisfy everyone’s musical preferences.

While students are listening to the music, they will be able to enjoy a vast array of sweets from the massive food banquet or quench their thirst with a cool drink from the drink station, which will be located in front of the senior lockers.

The drink station will feature frosted Plexiglas illuminated with lights to give it a modern twist.

Archways, mirrors, and over six replicas of original Venetian artwork will decorate the school’s walls,transfroming it completely.

To add to the theme’s air, black and white masks will be distributed at the doors.

The only concern White has about prom is that “people are confusing it with Mardi Gras.” On the contrary, Venetian masquerades were simple yet elegant ballroom banquets--think of the masks in The Count of Monte Cristo or Zorro.