From Then to Now: PCR Staff Share Their Prom Memories

By the PCR Storytellers Club

Prom is a formal dance commonly held in high schools across the United States, typically meant for juniors and seniors. At prom, students radiate in gowns, dresses, and tuxedos. The celebration is defined by dancing the night away, prom court, taking photos, and socializing with friends. However, prom is not just another high school event, it’s a night of cherishable and unforgettable memories. 

This year, Providence Cristo Rey High School will host its annual prom at the Indianapolis Zoo, with the theme Treasured Memories. In honor of this, we are taking a trip down memory lane to highlight PCR teachers’ and staff members’ “treasured memories”of their proms!

Mr. Jordan (interviewed by Kimberly Romero-Sanchez)

Prom has always been known to be a magical night and something to look forward to, but I decided to take it back with a very famous faculty member and who we all love, Mr. Jordan! He recalls enjoying his prom night back in 1981 looking sharp with a three piece, navy blue suit and of course we know Mr. Jordan loves his suits. As the captain of the football team he was surrounded by friends, music, and Mr. Jordan shares that his favorite part of the dance was loving a slow dancing song by Luther Vandross. I appreciate him sharing his experience with me and I am excited for his 45th high school reunion that is this upcoming August where he’ll be able to reconnect with former classmates that he lived his prom night with.

Mrs. Desalvo (interviewed by Ximena Garcia)

Prom is often thought of as a once-in-a-lifetime high school milestone. But, what if your prom came years later?

Principal Desalvo, having attended an all-girls high school that did not host a prom, never got the chance to experience the essential high school tradition. The boys’ school did host a prom, nevertheless she was never asked to prom. To make up for that missed night, she decided to throw her own prom for her 40th birthday. 

Held in the gym of a church, the birthday party captured all the magical aspects of a traditional prom. Gold and silver balloons floated above, a DJ blasted music all night long, and a photographer captured the unforgettable night. Around 80 guests attended, dressed in one of the three styles: casual, formal, or complete prom attire. Mrs. Desalvo herself dazzled in a sparkling golden cream short dress. 

“It was a memorable night,” Mrs. Desalvo recalled with a smile. “I won prom queen of course.” 

Mrs. Desalvo explains that her favorite memory of the event was when two of her closest friends showed up in 80s-themed prom outfits, which were the exact ones they had worn to their high school prom. 

“It was awesome to see, it really added to the night!” Mrs. Desalvo beamed. 

Ms. Marsh (interviewed by Bianey Benavides-Melendez and Nicole Garcia-Andalon)

I decided to interview Mrs. Marsh because she is an amazing teacher but an even better friend. I would like to thank her for agreeing to the interview. To start with, Ms. Marsh’s prom took place in her high school gym. Where  the theme was blue and white, with a photo arch and decorations she helped set up beforehand. She wore a custom-made white dress with pink polka dots and spaghetti straps, which made the night feel even more special for her. Although she was not nominated for prom court, she still had an amazing time with her friends. Enjoying the live soul music band and being with her friends. Even though she had to leave by 1:00 a.m. due to curfew (one of only four students who did) she still made the most of the night. The next day, she spent time with friends at Turkey Run Park, making the whole prom experience fun and memorable.

Mr. Bernsten (interviewed by Nicole Garcia-Andalon and Bianey Benavides-Melendez)

When asked about his prom experience, Mr. Bernsten’s answer isn’t what you would expect from a typical “high school movie” moment. Instead, it was something more real and meaningful.

Complications due to the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted plans for a traditional school-sponsored prom. Instead, about 80 students came together in a small basement studio, organized by a group of friends. They built their own night that felt personal and comfortable with simple $20 tickets, some snacks, and some good music. 

“It wasn’t anything fancy,” Mr. Bernsten explained. “No big theme, no mocktails, just a general prom. But honestly, that made it better.”

Looking back, he also points out something that many students don’t realize until later:

“After you graduate, a lot of things that you thought were really important, just aren’t anymore.”

No matter how cliche it may sound, Mr. Bernsten’s advice is simple and true: enjoy the moment for what it is and make the most of the people around you. 

“Probably just being with everyone,” he shared. “That’s what really stuck.”

Sometimes it really just is those simple and genuine experiences that stay with you the longest.

Mrs. Alfaro (interviewed by Zulema Carmona-Cruz)

I decided to interview an amazing Spanish teacher, Mrs. Alfaro from Costa Rica. I would like to thank her for taking the time to let me interview her and for sharing her prom experience. To begin with, Mrs. Alfaro explained that she has an older brother who is one year older than her. So she went to his prom as preparation for hers and ended up enjoying it. When she talked about her prom, she said it was an unforgettable experience, especially because her class had a live band instead of a DJ. For her prom, she wore a beige dress made by her friend’s grandmother. What made it interesting was that her friend, her cousin, and several other girls wore Mrs. Alfaro’s dress after her prom. She also mentioned that someone still has her dress today. She explained that her prom was organized differently from here. Unlike here, families were allowed to attend prom with their children as long as they bought a ticket, and her family did go to hers. She went with her boyfriend but felt a little uncomfortable because his family was there as well. In addition, she talked about other differences. She mentioned that tickets were around $200, which she thought was expensive.

Also, in Costa Rica, they do not have themes to choose a prom king and queen. After prom, some students went to after parties, but she didn’t go. 

Another important thing she shared was that students had to work to afford prom. They fundraised money by selling food, washing cars, and doing other activities. The extra money was used to go on a class trip, not having to pay anything. At the end of the night, they had a special song that everyone sang together while hugging and crying. Overall, she described her prom as a very special and memorable experience.

Mr. Hood (interviewed by Zulema Carmona-Cruz)

I’d like to thank Mr. Hood for letting me interview him about his prom experience. You may know him as the chill guy in the hallway, but here’s a little more about him. He said he was too nervous to ask someone to dances, so the same girl usually asked him. Although he skipped his junior prom, he went to his senior prom with her. At his small school, he even won Prom King and was surprised because there weren’t many boys to choose from. Instead of a real crown, he got a foam one from the dollar store, but still had a great time because his best friends were there. His prom theme was “Night in Paris”, and after prom, they had a “post prom” (an overnight lock-in). He wore a pink outfit because he thought “it was fire” and still enjoys looking back at those memories, even though he didn't like dressing up or dancing. Overall, his story shows that the best part of prom is the memories you make with friends, and those kinds of moments can happen anytime, not just at prom.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone at prom this Friday, and hopefully, you will make your own Treasured Memories to look back on for years to come.