This year, Hastings Senior High will be hosting an “Under the Sea” themed prom. This event will be taking place on May 2 from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM in the North building of the Adams County Fairgrounds.
In the past, multiple students approached Delta Fajardo, the prom coordinator, about the idea of an “Under the Sea” themed prom. Although the idea gives the impression of red-headed mermaids and fish, in reality, it is much more flexible.
“Nobody really follows the theme,” Fajardo said. “It’s meant to be fun for decoration purposes. It’s the colors, the colors will match generally.”
For the past few years, the same building has been used for prom. It is never easy for Fajardo to decorate a warehouse style building. Regardless, she is always excited to see the finished product, as this year she invested in a variety of inflatables rather than printed decorations.
”I am looking forward to seeing what this all looks like. It’s really difficult to change something like that into something that looks like it’s under the sea,” Fajardo said.
Last year, there were many activities for students to choose from, but the results did not turn out as Fajardo had hoped. So, instead, this year’s prom will focus on the scenery to help with costs. Other activities will be pushed to the post-prom celebration, which starts at 11:00 PM in the Grace Life Church building.
“At the prom last year, I know we had [games] and things like that, and it was okay, but it didn’t go over as well as I thought it would,” Fajardo said.
Although prom will not have any activities, Fajardo has other surprises in store.
”The big challenge is coming up, but I am going to leave that as a surprise,” Fajardo said. “I am really, really scared about this thing that I am gonna try to do.”
Behind the scenes, Assistant Debate Coach Will Henley, the debate team, and the student council are all helping to put this plan into action. Several teachers are also volunteering to help set up and later take down decorations after prom.
“[Help] is very welcomed. Prom isn’t easy to put together, especially because of the room we use… I always encourage teachers and parents to get involved because it brings them out of the teaching role and into a different kind of connection,” Fajardo said.
Unlike other schools, Hastings Senior High hosts prom later in the year rather than in April. However, this has been convenient for Fajardo, as she coaches debate in March. The extra full month gives her time to make sure prom is ready for action.
”I am glad that it is May 2 because it gives me all of April after the season to really focus on it,” Fajardo said.
As the days tick down, purchases and plans are still being made. The most difficult part of planning and putting together the party is the night before. The 80 by 100 foot room proves difficult to decorate with decorations and lights in a short amount of time.
“It’s not that far away, and I still feel like I have a lot of stuff to do,” Fajardo said.
Tickets will be sold through the Bound website. This allows students, who can not wait in a long line, to buy tickets on a more flexible schedule.
“It has given us a lot more freedom to be able to work with kids when they can not just be there at the appointed time,” Fajardo said.
As the date for prom continues to grow closer, Fajardo is continuing to make sure prom of 2026 will give the juniors and seniors memories for years to come.
“I’ve got some great things planned, I’m just not gonna tell any of you guys about it. Make sure to do your tickets online. If anyone needs service hours, please come help!” Fajardo said.
