Cheap? Fancy?
Here are Some of the
Best Places to Eat Before Prom
By Grace Thomas
Looking for an elegant, but reasonably priced restaurant to take that special someone to on Prom night? I’ve done some research on some hot spots in the Bloomington/Normal area that are inexpensive and fancy enough for my date to take me on Prom night.
The first restaurant I found to be suitable, to myself and many others I’ve talked to, is Flat Top Grill. Flat Top is located at the College Hills Mall, right next to Starbucks. Flat Top is in a perfect location, because it is right off of Veterans Parkway, and just across the street is Cold Stone, which makes for a great dessert option before heading to the dance. Flat Top is a make your own stir-fry joint that offers an all-you-can-eat deal. Customers are able to
pick and choose their own ingredients, and then leave it for the masters at the grill. Flat Top Grill also takes reservations, which is helpful when couples want to get to the dance on time. Dinner for two would end up costing $24 for an all you can eat meal.
The next option I had at the top of my list is Ned Kelly’s, a well-known spot to go for a friendly atmosphere and some good food. The all-famous skillet cookie makes the trip all worthwhile in the end. Ned Kelly’s also has a great facility for sitting large groups of people. Dinner for two, depending on what the order is, would end up costing anywhere from $12-$20 for an entrée, not including dessert and drinks.
The next best place to eat for Prom is the all-famous Olive Garden.
The Olive Garden is a famous spot for Prom goers. The only negative thing about going out to the Olive Garden, is they don’t take reservations, and the wait for a table can sometimes be long, especially with a big group of people. The Olive Garden is reasonably priced with entrée’s ranging in from $10 to $20.
I asked a couple students what their favorite restaurants were to eat at before going to the big dance and found some other favorites among the students here at Olympia. Senior Jon Biever said, “Chevy’s, because it’s good food, and it’s the only restaurant I’ve been to that I like.” Senior Jessica Honnegger said, “Michael’s, because it’s cheap, the food is good, and it has a romantic atmosphere. It’s never full so you never have to worry about making a reservation.” Senior Sarah Martin said, “Biaggi’s, because I’ve never eaten there and I’ve heard the food is good. It’s also more of a fancy place to eat for Prom.” Megann Albright said, “On a golf course, it overlooks a very romantic view.”
No matter what restaurant is chosen for that special night, there are many restaurants in the area that are reasonably priced and fancy enough for the big dinner before prom. So pull out a phone book and pick a spot.
Tips for
Dancing the Night Away
By Mike Ramey
posted 9:17 AM CST, Mar 16, 2007
Prom is approaching and dancing can be a big problem for some people. Some people who have trouble dancing are too embarassed to ask people fo rdancing tips, but don't fret. I have asked around and got a couple tips for you.
If you ask junior Eric Biehl, he will tell you, "It's all in the hips." Junior Erik Cravens will tell you too, "Warm-up before you got out on the dance floor." These are some tips to take into consideration before dancing, but not the only ones. Senior Matt Westerfeld sadi, "You can't go wrong with lawnmower." "The robot is a sure thing." "During the chicken dance, don't cluck like a chicken." and "Eat your Wheaties."
These are the tips fellow Olympia high school students are willing to share with everyone else. So when you're about to get on the dance floor, just remember all these tips and you should do just fine dancing the night away.
Where to Get
the Perfect Hair
By Jessica Hodge
posted 9:17 AM CST, Mar 16, 2007
When looking back on high school prom, there are those certain points of the night that stick out in your mind; perhaps it was the dress, or the perfect picture, or for some girls maybe it’s the perfect hair-do. Every year, thousands of girls spend probably thousands of dollars to get the perfect hair for prom night.
Popularsurveys.com released that “down do’s” will be more popular this year than “up do’s.” It is also thought to be that many girls will apply extensions for the night, for the long lock look. But where do you get your extensions put in, your hair curled, or put up? Well, I’m here to answer that for you.
All salons, and even stylists charge differently for different do’s. Popular salons that flood with prom goers include Master Cuts, JC Penney, and Regis, all of which are located in Eastland Mall. Another location is Hair It Is located in Atlanta. Hair styles generally run anywhere from $35 to $55, depending on the salon, the time it takes to transform that head of hair, and the style that is achieved. For the perfect makeup- call Mary Kay!
O*Dears, Fox and Hound, Cost Cutters, and Bolins are a few other private salons in the Bloomington/Normal area that may cost a little more. It’s also a good idea to ask previous customers how they felt about their do in the previous years. Don’t waste time stressing over the perfect hair do, focus on having an amazing night.
Dress the Part
for the Big Night
By Stephanie Musselman
posted 9:17 AM CST, Mar 16, 2007
Prom is slowly sneaking up on us, are you prepared? Have you ladies purchased your gowns, or you gentleman rented your tuxes yet? If not, here’s some helpful hints to start your journey.
I asked a couple of girls what advice they would give on getting a prom dress. Senior Justine Lowery said, “Buy a dress or two out of town and then decide which one is best and which one you think no one would have.” If you are worried about a copy cat at the dance, finding a dress from a store farther away or getting a dress from a bridal shop is the way to go. Kaitlyn Schneider, another senior, stated, “The Springfield mall usually has a lot to choose from. Don’t spend too much on your dress though because you’re only going to wear it once.” Bridal or formalwear shops are usually more expensive than shops in the mall, so steer clear of bridal shops if you don’t want to burn a hole in your pocket.
Now gentlemen, I’ve got some hints for you too. When I asked many senior boys where they rented their tux from last year, they responded with Seno Formalwear. Seno has a wide variety and is quite affordable. The inexpensive tuxes are often boring, so if you’re looking for a unique look for Prom 2007 you must be willing to pay a pretty penny. Other top stores include, Ducky’s Formalwear and most bridal shops. Don’t forget to ask your date if they have gotten any special deals on tuxes when they purchased their dress.
Love of the Game
Over Looking Your Best
By Betsy Heiser
posted 9:17 AM CST, March 19, 2007
Prom is coming up and it always seems to get very stressful around this time with finding a dress and figuring out what to do with your hair and make-up then finding the perfect date. It all may seem very hectic for you, but it is about five times as hectic for the softball girls who give up looking their best for what could be the time of their lives for their love of the game.
Every year, the softball girls have a tournament in Washington on the day of Prom. The girls make a lot of preparations before the tourney, like setting out their wardrobe and all of their accessories.
After talking to the girls, some of them that went to Prom last year find that this year is way more stressful than last year because they feel like they are not as prepared. Junior Christen Roberts said, “I am extremely stressed out! One, I don’t think I can get ready in time and two, I DON’T HAVE A DATE YET!” I asked her what she will have to do to get ready in time and she said, “Get my nails done a week before and do my hair myself.”
At the tournament the girls try their hardest because if they win all their games, then they will get out of there faster and be able to have more time to get ready(unless the games go into extra innings).
Helpful Hints
to a Smoother Prom
By Melissa Rawlings
posted 9:17 AM CST, March 19, 2007
Prom preparation always seems the most hectic and stressful time of the year, but with the help of some former prom goers; you can make your 2007 Prom a breeze. A few senior girls admitted to me that they let stress get in their way, months before their first prom, and they regret every second that they spent worried and stressed out over the big night. P.E. teacher, Mr. Smith seemed to think that, “Prom is over-rated,” which is exactly why we don’t ask the guys.
When I asked some of the female students and teachers around the building, they gave me advice in the hopes that girls this year won’t make mistakes. Senior Jessica Hodge said, “Think cheap. You’ll regret all that money you spent for a dress and jewelry that you’re only going to wear once.” Kaitlyn Schneider added, “Doing things yourself, like hair and make-up will cost less and prevent stressful last minute disasters.”
What about when it comes down to the dress and accessories? Should there really be a limit? Another senior, Jillie Weaver recommended, “Money doesn’t matter as long as you’re not wearing skimpy dresses; you’re going to prom to have fun, not to be a “Paris Hilton”.” Mrs. Hapgood tends to believe that cost is no option as long as the shoes are comfortable.
At dinner, Mrs. Castleman strongly believes that, “Girls need to eat with a fork and knife for one night, NO fingers when wearing a fancy dress.” Ms. Kirby said, “Spend the night how you want to, and don’t waste time.”
So, everyone has their opinions and advice. Some of these helpful hints may only help a few, but junior Christen Roberts gave me a piece of information that may be helpful to all girls, “You need a good nights sleep, don’t go out the Friday night before, and don’t take the same date every year.”
Get the Scoop on Prom
By Brittney Hendricks
posted 9:17 AM CST, March 19, 2007
The Prom season is now in session. Mrs. Davis and the Junior class officers here at Olympia High School have been very busy planning this years Prom extravaganza. Prom 007 will take place on Saturday April 28, 2007. The date has been moved to a week earlier due to a baseball tournament taking place the usual day of prom.
It will be held at the Lafayette Club and Banquet Hall located off of Main Street in Bloomington. This is a new location for Olympia’s Prom. It usually takes place at ISU Bone Students Center, Miller Park, or the Interstate Center. Class officer Christen Roberts stated, “Even though prom is in a new location this year, I think we have worked really hard and it should to turn out to be a great night.” The dance will start at 7 o’clock p.m. and coronation will be at 8:30. Tickets will go on sale Wednesday April 18 in the commons during Junior/Senior lunch. They will cost $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
At this time of the year, the class officers have become very busy with school and sports, so they are going to need some help in setting up and taking down the decorations. Anyone is welcome, so please contact Mrs. Davis if you are interested in helping. The Junior class is also in need of parent chaperones to help keep an eye on the dance. They will also need to get in contact with Mrs. Davis.
This years’ theme is “PROM 007,” so get ready to dance the night away in the lights of the city.
Guys Feel Prom is
Overrated
By Jess Goujon
posted 9:17 AM CST, March 19, 2007
It’s that time of year again and prom is right around the corner, but believe it or not ladies, your dates most likely aren’t looking forward to it as much as you are.
When I asked senior Jesse Springer how he felt about prom he said, “I believe that Prom is the first step to happiness and true love.” His opinion however is one of the few positive outlooks on prom from the guys. Steve Kupferschmid replied, “Wait, prom? Isn’t prom supposed to be fun? Are we still allowed to do that?” Typically guys don’t look forward to prom because it is so expensive and they think it’s a waste of money.
I had fun at prom last year but I don’t think it is necessary to get so dressed up for it. Mr. Neisler has some harsh feelings about prom “It is a waste of time and money; however, a good time to break up with your girlfriend. You spend at least $100 for a tux, and then you take the jacket and vest off right when you get to the dance anyways.” I asked Senior Ed Wittrig for his feelings on prom and he said, “Uhh, I’m not going, even though I have a girlfriend.”
Prom is overrated. In the end, I think everyone would have more fun and more money in their pockets, if they did away with Prom and had another Morp.
Teachers Speak Up
About Prom
By Robert Brown
We all know what the students think about prom. We all think that it’s a great time, a good experience, and a good way to end the year. After prom always seems better due to going to the after prom event, chilling with your date, and/or attending an after prom party.
What we don’t really know the perspectives of our mentors, our very own teachers. Do teachers think that prom is a reason for the students to act out inappropriately and make rash decisions throughout the night, or do they think it is a fun time and that no student should ever miss out the chance of going to prom?
Ms. Kirby, the infamous Foods Teacher, stated that she thinks that it is the best way to end the year for students only if handled appropriately before, during, and after prom. Another great mentor, Mr. Hurley, said that prom is a good way for seniors to end their school career. Ms. Mullen, the awesome Journalism 1 teacher, replied that it is a fun time for students, the prom theme and decorations make it interesting. Apparently the teacher’s perspective about prom is almost all the same, that they all agree that prom is a time for students not to miss.
Prom is just around the corner, and the play list could include songs like “Give It To Me” by Timbaland or the entire Grease soundtrack. But what do the students at Olympia want to hear? Do they want to “Shake” it to the Ying Yang Twins or something old school like “Ice Ice baby”? Last year’s prom list included songs like “Buttons” “Hips Don’t Lie” “S.O.S” and some songs off of the Grease Soundtrack.
This years play list could include songs like “This is why I’m hot, “We Fly High, “Glamorous” “Icebox” “Wind It up”, and “She’s Like the Wind.” Sophomore Shelbi Daugherty would love to hear “ a lot of rap music so I can dance like crazy.”
It seems like the Grease soundtrack should be banned from Olympia events. Everyone seems to be tired of listening to it at every dance. Senior Sarah Martin said, “ I think they’re fun songs, but they get a little old when they’re played at every dance multiple times.”
No matter what songs play at prom the Olympia students are sure to make the event a blast. One thing the Spartans know how to do is get down.
