CARIBOU, Maine — Heavy downpours did not dampen the spirits of Caribou High School seniors, event organizers and volunteers as this year’s spectacular Class of 2013 senior prom was carried off seemingly without a hitch on May 26 at the Caribou Wellness Center.
The focus of this year’s gathering was to go big and keep it local as the committee planned a red-carpet themed affair (even though the carpet used was a dark shade of purple) held in Caribou and using the services of Caribou citizens and businesses. The past few Caribou senior proms were held in Presque Isle, something class adviser
Jennifer Plourde hoped to change this year.
She was not disappointed with the results.
“The prom was everything the seniors had envisioned and more,” Plourde commented. “The senior class and their parents were focused on bringing the Caribou High School prom back to Caribou and starting new traditions that would make this a community event. I believe they raised the bar for what prom can be. It was elegant, sophisticated and fun, truly a night for them all to remember. I am so proud of what they accomplished.”
Plourde extended her gratitude to all of the Caribou businesses, including the photographers, caterer and music provider, and to the Caribou Recreation Department for all of their hard work to make the gala event a success.
“Most of all, we are grateful to the senior parents, who put a year’s worth of effort into planning and spent a weekend decorating and fine-tuning every detail,” Plourde said.
The seniors formed a parade from the Skyway Plaza to the Wellness Center, where they drove up to the entrance and were treated to valet service, complete with an umbrella-covered escort to the canopy that had been set up to keep the prom-goers as dry as possible.
Upon entering the building, the couples and groups were announced by CHS teacher Kenneth Atcheson, who even had insight as to which famous designer each participant was wishfully wearing. A line of paparazzi made up of friends and family greeted the senior celebrities as they walked down the purple carpet.
The Wellness Center gymnasium had been transformed into an elegant ballroom, and dinner was served by volunteer parents.
After dinner was complete, all adults, with the exception of a few chaperones, were sent on their merry way so the party could begin.
