For the past ten years, the Senior and Junior Class have enjoyed prom night at the same location: two Washington Street in Foxborough. Demetri’s Function Facility, formerly Christina’s, has seen many classes of Rebels stroll in through the parking lot, hug their friends in the foyer, and dance the night away in their Grand Ballroom.
This year for the first time, Walpole High will be hosting prom in one of the function areas at Gillette Stadium.
Gillette Stadium is a popular location for proms, as it can fit much larger groups than many other function halls. Proms and formals at Gillette are typically held in the Putnam Club and Lounge, which overlooks the field.
This change can be attributed to the work of Sandra Allison, who teaches Design at Walpole High and organizes prom every year. “I have been organizing prom since 1999, for the first ten years with a colleague and the last seven on my own,” said Allison, “I love coordinating prom because I want to create a night that makes the students feel special. I want them to know that we care about them and want them to have a wonderful time.”
The student body is excited to take their prom to a new location. “I can’t believe we are finally taking this exciting step as a school,” said senior Sarah Rockwood.
Walpole prom has previously been held at a number of other locations, such as the Mansfield Holiday Inn and Lake Pearl. “I have wanted to take the prom to Gillette for some time, but it is more expensive to do and no one wanted to see the ticket price go up,” said Allison.
The higher cost did affect ticket prices. Prom tickets are now $85, up from $65. “We are still the lowest ticket price of all the surrounding school districts, but I believe the price increase will be worth it,” Allison said.
Prom night is on May 20 and will last from 6-11p.m. From 6 to 7pm, students can mingle with their friends and take pictures in the top of the stands overlooking the field. “We will ask everyone to be seated for dinner which will start at 7 p.m followed with dancing by 8 p.m. The prom court will be announced at 10:30 and the prom will end at 11p.m,” said Allison.
Those interested in taking a guest who is not a Walpole High student must complete a “Prom Guest Permission Slip.” These forms will be available by March 1 on the school website, in the main office, or in room 1146. They must be filled out early as they require multiple signatures, including the signature of an assistant principal. Tickets, usually over 500 sold, will also be sold earlier than usual this year in order to meet Gillette’s timelines.
