By Katie Rosenberger (May 16, 2003)

"Hand in Hand, Palm to Palm, in Fair Verona," read the posters for this year’s Junior-Senior Prom, which will be held at the State Theater this Saturday night from 9 PM to 1 AM.

The Romeo and Juliet-inspired theme of Verona was chosen to "create a romantic atmosphere" said junior class vice president Arya Namboodiri, and all students who attend can look forward to beautiful decorations featuring white lights and roses. 

Tickets cost $30 and already over 170 have been sold. Even though the price to rent the State Theater for the night is over $10,000--more than in previous years--the junior class has held a number of fund raisers to keep the ticket prices low enough to try to accommodate all students. 

Many students attending do not seem to be worried about the cost associated with prom, even though many are spending over $400 on the event. Senior Erikka Hamer said that she spent over $300 on her dress and accessories. Most tuxedos rent for $100 to $150. Other big expenses can be transportation and dinner. 

In true prom tradition many groups have opted to rent a limo for the evening, and in most cases are splitting the cost with a group of their friends, a cost which can run up to $150 per person. Some are taking the more cost-efficient road, however, and are driving their date or friends in a family car. 

Dinner choices are even more varied than transportation. Some groups are going out to eat at a fancy restaurant like senior Colin Nannery, who is going with three other people to Potomac Landing in Georgetown. Other groups are going to restaurants like IHOP, or Applebee’s like senior Eric Powell’s group. Some are getting together before prom for an elegant dinner party at the house of a student, like a group that is going to senior Kris Gronlie’s house.

Although prom is a fun and exciting time, the George Mason SADD club throught the Prom Promise is working to make sure that students do not forget the risks that can be associated with excessive partying. Students who sign the Prom Promise agree not to drink any alcohol on the night of prom. Friday is also "The Day of the Dead" during which 100 "mourners" paint a tear on their face and 30 "dead" students paint their faces white and wear tombstones around their neck, to commemorate teens who have died in drunk driving accidents. 

If you have not yet bought your tickets but would like to attend this year’s prom, you can buy them at lunch or from Ms. Hopkins up until 3 o’clock on Friday. No tickets will be sold at the door.