As we close the 2024-2025 school year, Athens Drive is celebrating some of the final events of the school year. Prom took place May 2, 2025, and the theme was Dancing through Rio.
Seniors attended their last prom, a night that will mark a special memory in their high school years. Spending time with their friends before many students part ways for new opportunities.
“You get to celebrate the seniors as they close this chapter in their lives,” said Christopher Remaley, Athens Drive senior advisor.
Prom was held at The Market Hall, located in Raleigh. The venue offered an indoor space where they were able to dance on a large dance floor with shining lights.
At the Market Hall, students enjoyed both a formal and decorated venue, while the outdoors brought more scenic photo spots. Some students arrived early to take pictures outside the venue. The venue was a big change from the year before, when the prom was held at the Raleigh Sheraton.
“We’re excited about the venue change, though, it’s a nicer spot this year,” said Ella Johnson, a member of the student council.
Due to the snow days, teacher work days were replaced with school days. That led the prom to be held on a newly replaced school day. To work around this issue, the student council was able to leave during the school day to work on the setup.
“We were able to negotiate with them to get a little better price than what would be on a Saturday night,” said Remaley.
Student council and teachers make it possible for students to be able to attend these beautiful events. They managed to learn how to finance and use the budget they have wisely. Managing their money plays a big role in planning the prom.
“We sort of have to be smart, frugal, and thrifty with our purchases; we can’t just blindly spend a ridiculous amount of money on stuff, and you’ve got to be smart about it. Don’t just buy the first thing that shows up on Amazon or in these prom catalogs, we gotta be smart about it,” said Remaley.
Tickets were able to be purchased through GoFan, and were only open for Juniors, Seniors, and guests outside of Athens Drive. Students had to complete their Prom Application, which included a guardian’s signature, and if they were bringing a guest, both the student and their guest had to fill out the guest form application. Students were able to pick up their tickets the week of prom, and they must show their photo ID. The prom was held at 8:00 and ended at 11:30 pm. Students were able to enter, but once they exit, they won’t be able to return inside the venue.
The dress code was to dress up elegantly. Guys and girls were able to dress up for a night and be able to feel their best.
“It’s a wonderful night where everyone dresses up, black tie formal, and it just changes things. When you look like a million bucks, you feel like a million bucks,” said Remaley.
Staff and students made it possible for students to have a wonderful night and enjoy themselves by getting a break from academics. Remaley and Lassiter played a big role in making this dance possible, as well as the student council. Thanks to them, all students who attended had a wonderful night at prom, dancing through Rio.
“I’m looking forward to seeing everyone come together. I hope everyone has as much fun doing it as we did planning it,” said Johnson.
