The life of a high schooler consists of multiple milestones.

There’s the first and last day of school, field trips, homecoming, possibly getting a first job and learning how to drive.

Few of those events have the glitz and glamour of prom.

There’s the suits and dresses, the hair, the makeup, flowers and corsages. What to arrive in and whether to have a date or go stag.

“I picked my dress out in September,” junior Libby Doebler said. “I’ve been thinking about that forever. Then I kind of procrastinated, so there’s been a lot of stress getting my nails, getting my hair, getting my jewelry, getting all that stuff. I was kind of really thankful that it all came together.”

All of those decisions came to a head for Libby and other Quaker Valley High School students on May 8.

The school hosted a grand march/promenade about an hour before juniors and seniors danced the night away at the Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry.

Libby said prom ranks right behind last day of school in order of importance.

“Until you really experience it, there’s nothing to compare it with,” said Libby, who dressed in lavender and went solo. “Homecoming is very different. I kind of dread the first day of school. I think a lot of people really hype up this day.”

Seniors Fia Davidson and Maria Aspiotes went as each others dates.

Maria grew up in the district; Fia recently moved from Pittsburgh to Sewickley.

“Senior prom is the biggest deal, I think,” Maria said. “It’s the first prom for both of us.”

Maria searched online a long time for a vintage dress and found a dark red one from a woman outside the district.

Fia said she found a purple dress at the last minute that matched Maria’s 1990s outfit and theme of the night without alterations.

“I got really lucky with this,” Fia said. “Besides graduation it is the biggest thing. It’s one of those things you have to do as a senior.”

The theme selected by a student committee was “Viva Las Vegas.”

Large playing cards book-ended the main entrance of the Leetsdale school.

Youths exited, mostly in pairs, to thunderous applause from friends and family members who lined the sidewalk.

Quaker Valley sixth grader Carla Wingens and her friend, Sewickley Academy seventh grader Anna Zeranski, were blowing bubbles as students walked past.

They said they saw some inspiring outfits and had ideas for what they may wear when they get older.

Anna’s mother, Erika Zeranski, said they came in support of her best friend’s son, Quaker Valley junior James Irwin.

“It’s wild to watch these wonderful kids grow up in this awesome community,” Zeranski said. “It’s so nice to see everyone rallying here supporting them. Cheering them on. It’s like a heartwarming little ceremony.”

Parents’ perspective

Prom is not only a highlight for many youths, but for their parents seeing their son or daughter come of age.

Sharon and Adam Steinfurth of Edgeworth watched as their daughter, Kate, walked with her date, Moon Area High School junior Luke Michael.

A light drizzle during promenade did not dampen their spirits one bit.

“I think it’s just a really fun thing that our community does,” Sharon Steinfurth said. “That keeps this tradition of the promenade up rain or shine. I think it’s fun for the kids get all dressed up and have the community cheer for them and recognize them along the way. They’re all excited. They’re all having fun.”

Adam Steinfurth received a bouquet of flowers from his daughter.

“Seeing it from a parent’s perspective 30 years later, it does make me feel proud of her for coming as far as she has,” he said. “It’s bitter sweet because she’s grown up now. It’s exciting (to receive the flowers). It made her smile, so it makes me happy.”

Fia’s mother, Sharee Stout, said getting everything ready for prom was very stressful and worth it to see her daughter happy.

“I was along for the ride,” Stout said. “I was just there in a supporting role. I’m still recovering from last night. … The school has been very good to her and we’re happy here.”

Fia’s father, G. Douglas Davidson, a 1983 Central Catholic graduate, echoed Stout’s supportive comments about Quaker Valley and said prom has changed a lot.

“In my day, it was more couples and things like that,” Davidson said. “These kids just kind of go with their friends or they go in groups or they go in couples and all over the place. They’re just having an enjoyable time with their friends and I like seeing that.”

Prom preparation

Tamra Rosa has been organizing proms for 25 years, including 15 at Quaker Valley.

“We used to be in the gym,” Rosa said. “We have since gone to different hotels around the area.”

The high school library media specialist and head prom sponsor said putting everything together is a team effort.

“The kids put all the ideas together,” Rosa said. “We start meeting in October and we ask the kids to come up with different themes and present them. The kids vote on them.”

The administration helps pick the location and the Marriott has been very accommodating.

Activities included dinner, a character sketch artist, airbrush tattoos, a jewelry station, magician and photo booth.

Rosa said prom draws a very diverse set of students. She loves the creativity and working with the students to make prom a memorable night.

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