By Anneliese Heyder, Stentorian Editor-in-Chief
It’s that time of the year again, the annual dance that NCSSM hosts at the nearby Museum of Life and Science: prom! In the weeks leading up to the anticipated event, there is much to do; reservations for dinner need to be made, locations for pictures need to be decided and students must decide who they are going with and what they are going to wear. There’s a lot to do, so here is a quick guide and some free advice on how to navigate this fun event.
First, dinner reservations. Durham boasts a myriad of restaurants, many of which serve unique cuisines. You can find almost any kind of restaurant downtown; Greek, Indian, American, Italian, Thai etc. However, some restaurants do not take reservations and are first come first serve. If you are going with a large group to prom, it is probably better to look for restaurants that can accommodate large party sizes. Don’t wait til the last minute though; restaurants book up quickly!
Finding a place to take pictures isn’t as difficult as you might think; Durham and most of the triangle area have multiple scenic parks and gardens for photos. Downtown also offers a vibrant, fun background for pictures. However, most NCSSM students end up at Duke Gardens; famous for its botanical sceneries and beautiful architecture, Duke Gardens is one of the top places for prom pictures. There’s plenty of space to spread out and lots of opportunities to get pictures with friends (and family!).
The prom is held at the Museum of Life and Science, a quick drive from NCSSM. It is decorated according to the year’s theme – Medival Promenade is this year’s choice – and will have food, drinks, and a DJ! The museum offers plenty to explore and even more opportunities to take photos with friends. The prom is from 8 pm-12 am, with an After-Prom Pizza Party at 12:30 am.
Remember, if you are leaving campus overnight, you must fill out a form; if you are using your car, you must also request permission. However, NCSSM does provide transportation to and from the museum. All this information and more can be found on the NCSSM Prom 2025 website.
Seniors and juniors alike are looking forward to the “promenade” this year, with some seniors having mixed opinions on their experiences last year.
Hannah Stevens ‘25, stated, “I really liked the snow cone truck, and I enjoyed having the dance at the museum.” When asked about something she disliked, she added, “I felt there wasn’t much for me to do once I got there.”
Adryel Christie ‘25 also chimed in. “I went in there thinking there would be lots of food; there was indeed not food, only small snacks and plates.”
Christie also noted that he had not gone to dinner before, and he and Stevens recommended eating a full meal before attending the prom.
Stevens said they ate at the Pomodoro Italian Kitchen when asked where they went last year. “I recommended it,” Stevens said. “It was chill.”
Juniors Rebekah Switzer and Atha Brantly are both looking forward to the butterfly garden at prom. When asked about their opinions of this year’s theme, Brantly stated “It will be either really good or really bad.”
MacKenzie Sanford ‘25 stated that she enjoyed the idea of having prom at the museum, but felt that it decreased interaction. “Because you are in the museum, there’s not a lot of intermingling between groups – you are kind of spread out.”
Regardless of whether you go with a date, a friend, by yourself, or with a large group, prom is a night where people can dress up, make memories, and indulge in good food and dancing. The night will fly by, and while it may be a first for some, it is the last for others. Enjoy the memory of your high school prom, as it’s a memory you will look back on for years to come.
