Photos By: Nimesha Mahle
On Saturday, May 3, Wildcats left behind the stress of finals and AP exam preparation for a night of celebration at the 2025 West Ranch Prom. Held at the Ronald Reagan Library’s Air Force One Pavilion, this year’s “Tangled…a Night Under the Lights” theme brought together elegance, laughter and student spirit for an unforgettable evening.
But the magic did not happen overnight. The event was the result of months of planning and collaboration by West Ranch ASB, led by Aileen Kwon, the newly elected 25-26 executive board president. “The junior officers and I started brainstorming the theme last May,” Kwon shared. “We spent the summer collecting decor ideas and worked with Mrs. Priske all year to finalize the details. From designing the theme reveal to coordinating with the event planner, we focused on creating a unique and special experience.”
The week leading up to prom was filled with spirit days, social media posts and last-minute arrangements. On the day of prom, students met up with friends and dates to take pictures, while exchanging corsages and boutonnieres before gathering for the traditional red carpet promenade. Families and friends lined up to cheer on their students as they announced their names with Principal Fisher in a show of pride. Dressed in tuxedos and dresses, Wildcats posed for photos, exchanged hugs and shared laughs before boarding the buses to the prom venue.
The 45-minute bus ride to the Reagan Library was lively. Students shared snacks, chatted and grew excited for the night. Upon arrival, they entered the Air Force One Pavilion, which featured various activities like poker and blackjack tables, a photo booth and a spacious dance floor. Senior Zach Dunca enjoyed the assortment of entertainment: “ I thought the event was amazing. The venue was good, the food was good and there were a lot of fun games. It turned out to be a memorable experience.” Dinner was also provided, with options to satisfy all appetites. Students could relax at tables, take photos with friends or spend the night dancing.
At 9:30 p.m., the highlight of the night took place: the Prom royalty coronation. This year’s Prom Court included Ayden Jones and Olivia Dervin, Megan Jizmejian and Tyler Barke, Chloe Curtis and Drew Banks, Anika Abhyankar and Jackson Manansala, Yara Hussein and Yusuf Dajani as well as Tori Hughes and Duc Dang. After much anticipation, AP Calculus teacher Mr. Hughes and Honors English 10 teacher Mrs. Koskie announced Olivia Dervin and Jackson Manansala as the 2025 Prom Royalty. Manansala recalled the moment he was crowned: “It was really cool. I wasn’t really expecting it, but I was very happy that I won.” Dervin had similar feelings after receiving her crown, and expressed, “I felt extremely happy! I’ve always wanted to be prom queen since I was little but didn’t think I would get it since I came [to West Ranch] junior year.”
As the night came to a close, students shared a final slow dance before heading back to West Ranch. On the bus ride home, many continued the fun with late-night conversations.
For the Class of 2025, Prom was not just a dance—it was a well-deserved celebration of friendship, milestones and the closing of a meaningful chapter in their lives.
