News Summary
On May 3, 2025, Jenison High School hosted its prom themed ‘Once Upon a Time’ at New Vintage Place in Grand Rapids, drawing over 500 students. The event featured a DJ, games, and vibrant decorations, creating unforgettable memories for attendees. Photojournalist Neil Blake captured the festivities, highlighting the creativity and joy of the celebration, which served as a rite of passage for students amidst simultaneous proms in the Grand Rapids area.
Grand Rapids, MI – On Saturday, May 3, 2025, over 500 students and their guests gathered for Jenison High School’s prom themed “Once Upon a Time” at the New Vintage Place in Grand Rapids. The event brought together a vibrant community of young people celebrating a milestone moment in their high school experience.
The evening featured entertainment from a DJ who played various crowd favorites, ensuring a lively atmosphere for all attendees. In addition to dancing, students had access to various games located on the upper floor, providing alternative activities for those looking to take a break from the dance floor.
Neil Blake documented the festive occasion, capturing over 100 images that illustrate the school’s prom night. Subscribers to the gallery can access these high-resolution images for free, adding a special touch for families and friends unable to attend the event. Featured images from the prom highlight the remarkable costumes and whimsical decorations that brought the “Once Upon a Time” theme to life.
This year’s event coincided with several other prominent high school proms across Grand Rapids. For instance, nearly 450 students attended Forest Hills Northern High School’s prom, themed “When in Rome,” at Noto’s, while Forest Hills Central High School’s celebration at the Grand Rapids Public Museum saw more than 400 students participating, culminating in the crowning of Weston Haywood as prom king and Eshana Kaur as prom queen. Additionally, East Kentwood High School held its prom at the Steelcase Inc. Ballroom at DeVos Place, drawing around 500 attendees with the theme “Under the Stars.”
These simultaneous events showcased the enthusiasm and spirit of the local high school community, emphasizing the importance of prom as a quintessential rite of passage for students. The celebrations not only fostered memories among classmates but also allowed families to come together and participate in the festivities.
As proms across the region offered varying themes and experiences, the overall reception remained positive. Many of the events received photojournalistic coverage, contributing to a greater sense of awareness regarding local youth and their social activities. The inclusion of varied themes, such as “When in Rome” and “Under the Stars,” also illustrates the creativity and excitement students bring to this annual tradition.
As the night came to an end, the unique moments created at Jenison High School’s prom reflect the joy and camaraderie shared by graduating classes. Overall, the event marks an essential part of their high school journey, creating lasting memories that students will cherish long after graduation.
The gathering at New Vintage Place stands as a testament to the school spirit displayed by Jenison High School. With over 500 students celebrating together, the “Once Upon a Time” prom is sure to be remembered as a night filled with fun, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- MLive: Forest Hills Northern Shines for Prom 2025
- Wikipedia: Prom (dance)
- MLive: East Kentwood Heads Under the Stars for 2025 Prom
- Google Search: High School Prom 2025
- Grand Rapids MN: Prom With a Purpose Brings Prom to All
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Prom
- MLive: See Our Favorite 15 Photos from Jenison’s 2025 Prom
