Prom celebrates a formal dance event usually held for high school students, mainly seniors, to end the year. It’s a big celebration often spotlighting a themed venue, nice and clean outfits, music, dance, and food. Prom means getting dressed up, hanging with friends and overall celebrating an important turning point in students’ lives.
John Dewey will host prom at Russo’s on the Bay in Queens on Friday, June 20. This year’s prom features the theme of Diamonds. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and the event is expected to run until 11:30 p.m. Tickets cost $225 per person which will include the night at the venue, food, music, and entertainment.
In the spirit of prom, JDHS hosts a scavenger hunt for all seniors to participate in. It typically happens in April and one winner is gifted with a prom ticket. This senior tradition at Dewey continues to act as a great way to “give students the opportunity to win a special prize.” Said Ms. Doceti, a supporter of all senior-related activities.
This year’s senior scavenger hunt took place on April 29, 2025 from 3-4 p.m. A variety of riddles awaited seniors looking to secure a prom ticket.
Seniors competing in the hunt were to wait outside room 137 as volunteers and Ms. Doceti prepared. This year there were about 30 students participating. Once the team was ready and volunteers were at their assigned locations, Ms. Doceti, the starter, began the count down.
“I’m doing it for fun, I’m here for the experience and I think it’ll be funny.” said Lynnkiyarah Voigt. Students like Voigt and Maram Mohamed were there to have a good time.
Players lined up in front of room 137 and once Doceti called one, they were off. Seniors were running as fast as they could to their first location: the security guards at the entrance of the school. The riddle that led them to their first destination was: The first and final destination. Each in a different formation. The modern desk that clued. Find the ones dressed in blue.
Seniors hurrying down the hallway to their first location: The Security Desk.
Once students solved a riddle, they had to go to that location and get a volunteer’s signature. Once all riddles were completed, whoever returned back to room 137 first, wins the ticket.
In total there were ten riddles that led students all around the school, from the elevators to the big gym to the art rooms and so on.
The riddles do not stay the same every year however. “We switch up the riddles…we like to mix it up cause we know we have siblings and friends in here, we don’t want them to have the answers,” said Doceti. They change the riddles each year and some scavenger hunts aren’t even riddle based. Ms. Doceti pointed out that they like to improve every year and make it “bigger and better”.
Event organizers hope for stronger turnout in following years as it presents a unique way for seniors to secure a prom ticket.
