When students arrive at prom and see the lights, the decorations at grand march, and the dance all set up, they don’t always realize how much planning goes on behind the scenes to make it all happen. But for English teacher Sara Marlow, prom is more than a dance, it’s a year-long planning process that turns chaos into magic.
“I’ve been supervising prom for seven years,” Marlow said. “I really enjoy it, it’s completely different from teaching, and I love party planning.”
Every year, the process kicks off with forming a prom committee, a group of juniors who help come up with the theme, decorations, and vibe of the night. Marlow emphasizes that the student’s input is key to making prom feel relevant and fun. “They have a better feel for the heartbeat of the school, “ she said.
This year, the dance took place at Royal Oak, a spacious venue that Marlow worried might feel too large. “Every time I went down there, it felt humongous,” she admitted. But with so many more attendees than last year, the size turned out to be perfect. “Once everybody got in there, it was fabulous. It didn’t feel overwhelmingly big, I was really happy with it.”
The planning process includes working with a Mankato-based event company called Parties and Wedding Plus, which helps the school stay within budget by providing decor based on leftover supplies from corporate events. This year’s theme was chosen based on availability and students’ interest, making it both practical and personal.
But the work doesn’t stop once the night begins. Marlow said she only started to enjoy the night after the grand march. Until then, it’s all about troubleshooting, making sure lights are charged, the emcees are loud and clear, and everyone is where they’re supposed to be. “There is just so much that goes into the tiny things that nobody ever thinks about,“ she said. “From getting boxes for the coat check to playlist loops, it all matters.”
Cleanup is another major part of the job. “We meet around noon on Sunday,” Marlow explained. “And of course, it’s always super windy or raining when we’re trying to roll up the gym flooring and tossing it in the dumpster.”
While there were no major last-minute disasters this year, one noticeable change was the decision not to print a grand march program. With so many attendees and shifting pairings, it simplified the night for students, though Marlow acknowledged that some audience members missed the structure.
For seniors, prom is a final high school highlight before graduation. Halle Hinderman reflected on her experience as well, saying, “I think prom was fun. I say this because I had so much fun. Personally, I think this year’s prom was better than last year’s. I would do anything to have that day back. I loved hanging out with my close friends all day. “
Reflecting on her own high school proms, Marlow recalls building elaborate decorations from scratch with her classmates, cardboard arches, balloon ceilings, and endless after-school hours in the gym. Those brands of experiences still inspire how she approaches prom today.
Her favorite prom during her time at New Ulm? “The disco one, “she said, smiling. “Hot pink and orange balloons, disco balls, it turned out really cool and let the decorator be creative in a way they haven’t tried before.”
As for the future, Marlow hopes to keep hosting the prom dance at off-site venues. “It just makes it feel more special,” she said. “And if we can stay within budget, I think we’ll keep doing it.”
Prom may seem like a single night, but thanks to people like Sarah Marlow, it’s really a year of creativity, leadership, and effort that comes together in one unforgettable evening.
