The Great Gatsby is not only a novel; it represents an entire society—one defined by opulence, mystery, and the illusion of perfection. The marvelous ambiance and displays of wealth alone make it an ideal theme for any event, but especially prom. When WVHS chose it as their theme they took on the difficult task of capturing the magic of Fitzgerald’s well-admired novel. The only question is: did the 26’ prom live up to such dazzling heights?

One of the components that make for a great prom is an essential playlist. It becomes evident from the views of upperclassmen that Prom 26’ didn’t align with the classy tunes a 1920s inspired prom would feature. Maddie Ryan, a senior at WVHS, didn’t notice any songs that would apply to the likes of Jay Gatsby, though she did appreciate “sticking with Bieber and Rihanna.” Gracie Dames, a senior, and this year’s prom queen, said she was at least hoping to hear “Young and Beautiful” from the film adaptation of The Great Gatsby. It’s safe to say that the prom playlist didn’t exactly reflect the essence of The Great Gatsby, but instead resembled that of any typical high school dance.

Decorations, however, embraced exquisite elements of the charm that is expected of such an event. The wonderful volunteers wore festive flapper dresses that brought Gatsby charm to light. Another shining detail bringing the theme to life was the usage of gold, black, and the magnificent, feathered flower centerpieces on tables, created by WVHS’s own floral design pupils. Additionally, within the venue was a red carpet leading to a fabulous photobooth with props applicable to the theme. WVHS clearly went to extravagant measures to embrace the elegance of Gatsby through well designed costumes, and eye-capturing details. 

Prom 26’ has been best described as a “fun and carefree” night, which is exactly what a prom should be. The venue played a major role in such an atmosphere: “It was nice that there was something for everyone to enjoy, whether that be playing cornhole or the golf simulator outside, chatting with friends, or dancing.” (Maddie Ryan), one of the highlights of this event was the versatility of the venue and openness of the outdoor space, both of which gave students an outlet that wasn’t present at any typical event. The venue itself “was pretty, just a bit scary driving home from it.” (Abby Hamilton, a junior) While the drive home may have been less appealing, a majority of prom attendees can agree that the setting of prom was serene outdoors, and exciting inside. While the setting created an enjoyable and dynamic experience, it didn’t fully embody the opulent drama of Fitzgerald’s world, instead offering a lively blend of shimmering dresses and breezy festivities.

Overall, Prom 26’ was a well-organized event with impressive visual execution. Although it didn’t fully capture every aspect of The Great Gatsby—particularly in its playlist and atmosphere—it successfully displayed the novel’s sense of luxury through its design.