As the Class of 2016’s memorable four years at Saratoga High come to a close, they will be given an opportunity to “Seas the Night” and make new memories. Senior prom will take place at Monterey Bay Aquarium on May 28, featuring a buffet-style dinner, dancing and marine animal exhibits.
“[The exhibits are going to be] a sweet experience because they’re like a throwback to childhood memories,” senior class representative Karen Chen said. “It's our last chance to feel like we are children before we have to go out into the world and be adults.”
According to Chen, the Class of 2017’s Junior Prom faced problems concerning a lack of activities and a lack of space. She said having senior prom at the aquarium will solve both of these problems, since there is space at the aquarium and the opportunity to admire the exhibits.
Senior class officers also faced complaints last year about the food quality. For this year, the senior class officers have picked out a wide variety of food, including seafood, vegetarian food, and unique appetizers. The dinner will also be served as a buffet-styled dinner, whereas last year, it was served as a sit-down dinner.
“The food this year will be amazing,” Chen said. “The aquarium has their own chefs that they use for their events, and I'm very excited for everyone because [we] have chosen great dishes, including those for people [who] want vegetarian and gluten-free options.”
Since the event will be hosted at a unique and unprecedented venue, the senior class officers’ greatest challenge was setting the bid price, which started at $170 and reached as high as $190. According to Chen, the aquarium rental came at a higher price than previous venues, so the class officers planned numerous fundraisers, such as Yogurtland and Buffalo Wild Wings, to accommodate for the price.
Another obstacle that the senior class officers faced was the long bus ride from the school to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
“Since the bus ride is a bit long, we made it a priority to get comfortable coach buses, [and] students were also encouraged to buy tickets with their friends so they could sit together,” senior treasurer Michael Owyang said. “[But] considering how nice our venue is, we don't think the [long] bus ride will be much of an issue.”
Even so, members of the Class of 2016 are excited about the event, and at least 350 students are expected to attend.
“Our goal for Senior Prom is to have the class enjoy one great night together,” Owyang said. “It's one of the last times our entire class will be together, so it’s important that we cherish the night.”