Depending on one’s viewpoint, prom can be seen as a once-in-a-lifetime experience or an unnecessary American rite of passage. But is it really worth all the stir and the uproar — the angst about who to go with, planning promposals, what to wear and how much to spend?

“My darkest secret from high school: I didn’t go to prom. Contrary to popular belief, I survived. Rather than dwelling over and regretting the wasteful night, I pride myself in saving money and not falling in the trap of prom being the best night of my life,” said SHS graduate Arige Shaukat.

Prom season is filled with student discussions about dresses, dates, and themes. What fewer people talk about is the price of prom.

“I attended prom and truth be told, it was a waste of time and money. Though it was fun being in the company of my friends and all the pictures at the end were worth it, I wish I wasn’t brought up hearing and believing that prom was this magical and extraordinary day,” said SHS graduate Duaa Malik.

Prom also brings up the debate as to whether that girls have the harder end of the deal when it comes to preparing for and attending the formal dance.

“I’ve always wanted to go to prom and I did so my junior year. I spent around 500 dollars in total on my dress, accessories, makeup and hair. I took all day to get ready whereas my date just took a shower and changed,” said senior Elle Mariano.

Certainly, it seems that girls are left dealing with a great financial burden– buying their dresses and getting their hair, nails, and makeup done– while boys merely rent a tux and buy some flowers. However, Mariano’s date, senior Jandrick Castro argues that boys still end up paying as much as girls. He explains that there is is a societal pressure for boys to purchase their date’s tickets.

“I personally find that [pressure], detrimental to the growing feminist movement which preaches independence and self-sufficiency for women. Luckily, I had a date that understood my financial obligation and paid for her own ticket,” said Castro.

If finances are a struggle, this doesn’t mean that a student can’t go to prom. Mariano and Castro, both former members of Junior Class Council, advise students to talk to Mrs. Kathryn Lind if they don’t have resources to attend prom, as she will aid in working something out.

“I definitely think prom is worth it because it is a once in a lifetime experience and you only regret the choices you don’t make,” said Mariano.