Prom–one of the most highly anticipated events for seniors each year–is on Friday, May 24. For the first time in almost 20 years, LT prom will not be held at the Navy Pier Ballroom.

This year, prom will be held at the Field Museum and will feature not only the typical dining and dancing area, but three exhibits at the museum, including “The Hall of Gems,” “The Hall of Jades,” and “Evolving Planet,” activities director Peter Geddeis said. 

“I think that [having prom at the Field Museum] will make things a lot smoother and make a more enjoyable experience for the students and adults who work the event,” he said. “There are a number of factors that come along with having an event the size of ours at Navy Pier that we’re not going to have to deal with at the Field Museum.”  

Geddeis has been working alongside prom coordinator and teacher John Seiple to put this night together for the senior class. When attempting to book the venue for this year in April of 2023, Navy Pier had made one of their previous prom venues no longer available, causing LT’s typical venue to be fully booked, Seiple said. Although the change in venue caused a ticket price increase to $170 each, the museum space is larger and will have much more to offer than Navy Pier. 

“Even though it’s expensive, I believe it’s well worth the money,” Seiple said. “You get transportation on a nice bus, three hours of entertainment and food, and the post prom cruise is another two and a half hours of entertainment, food, and dancing.” 

The senior class board has also played an important role in helping plan this year’s prom by picking out centerpieces, deciding on the DJ and catering, putting together a playlist, and selecting the theme of “Gatsby Gala,” senior class board president Keira Petrusha ‘24 said. Class board has been planning for prom since the end of last school year, and has been fundraising for the past four years. 

“I have very high hopes for the Field Museum and think we are very fortunate to experience something new and different,” Petrusha said. 

PHOTO CAPTION: Logo for 2024 Great Gatsby themed prom on May 24 (photo courtesy of lths.net).