News Summary
The prom season of 2025 in Grand Rapids showcased vibrant celebrations across several high schools, including Jenison, Forest Hills Northern, and East Kentwood. Each school had unique themes, drawing hundreds of students and families to participate. Events featured engaging activities, royal crowning, and included an inclusive prom for neurodivergent students. These gatherings reflect not only significant milestones for students but also the community’s spirit of unity and creativity.
Grand Rapids – The prom season of 2025 witnessed an array of vibrant celebrations across multiple high schools in the Grand Rapids area, with events hosting hundreds of students and family members. On May 3, prom festivities took place at Jenison High School, Forest Hills Northern High School, and East Kentwood High School, showcasing themes that reflected each school’s unique spirit and culture.
Events Overview
Jenison High School’s prom, featuring the theme “Once Upon a Time,” attracted over 500 attendees at New Vintage Place. The dance floor was filled with enthusiastic participants from the start of the night, while upstairs, games including cornhole offered additional fun. MLive/Grand Rapids Press photojournalist Neil Blake captured memorable moments, with more than 100 images from the event available in a subscriber-only gallery.
In tandem, Forest Hills Northern High School celebrated their prom on the same night, themed “When in Rome.” Hosted at Noto’s in Cascade, around 450 students and guests filled the venue to enjoy the festivities. During the event, Joey Angokand and Johanna Langlois were crowned prom king and queen. Freelance photojournalist Charlie Nick was present to document the festivities through photography, providing a gallery available to subscribers.
East Kentwood High School also hosted their prom for approximately 500 students on May 3, under the theme “Under the Stars.” The event took place at the Steelcase Inc. Ballroom at DeVos Place. Students were welcomed with a red carpet entrance, setting a glamorous tone for the evening. Photojournalist Joel Bissell documented the arrivals, with a gallery of images accessible for subscribers.
Inclusive Celebrations
Earlier in the season, on April 25, Itasca Area Schools Collaborative organized “Prom with a Purpose,” held at Cohaus in Grand Rapids. This event was designed to offer an inclusive and authentic prom experience for neurodivergent students and their families, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for participants to celebrate alongside their classmates and school staff.
Background and Significance
Prom serves as a significant milestone for high school students, embodying a rite of passage that often marks the culmination of their secondary education experience. Themes such as those chosen for the 2025 celebrations—ranging from fairy tale motifs to historical references—allow students to express creativity and individuality. Each school’s prom reflects not only its educational environment but also the broader community ethos surrounding youth celebrations.
With high attendance figures and an emphasis on inclusivity, high schools in the Grand Rapids area are continuing to create unforgettable experiences for their students. The efforts to document these events through photography ensure that memories from these milestone evenings remain preserved for participants and their families.
For those interested in exploring more about the prom events this season, subscription information for the photo galleries and additional coverage can typically be found through local news resources.
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Additional Resources
- MLive: Forest Hills Northern Shines for Prom 2025
- Grand Rapids MN: Prom with a Purpose
- MSN: Union Joins CA Frost for Prom 2025
- Wikipedia: Prom
- Mix 95.7: Grand Rapids Prom Dress Giveaway
- Google Search: Prom 2025
