On Friday, May 1, RHS juniors traded backpacks and homework for dresses, suits and music at the 2026 Junior Prom.

Students gathered at the Knoll Country Club for a night filled with dancing, photos, food and excitement as one of the most anticipated events of the school year finally arrived.  

Leading up to prom, social media was filled with pictures and videos of promposals. The posts multiplied throughout the week as students prepared for the dance with spray tans, manicures and shopping excursions.

The day of prom, students attended the annual prom assembly, then went straight home to start getting ready to look their best. Many gathered at each other’s houses for group photos. The day of prom, students with permission slips hightailed it out of RHS immediately after lunch.

“I left school, got my hair and makeup done, then threw my dress on and took a ton of pictures with friends,” junior Jenna Errico said. 

Inside the ballroom, the DJ kept the energy high by playing a mix of current pop songs, throwback hits and crowd favorites that kept students on the dance floor throughout the night.

Along with dancing, students enjoyed dinner, dessert, refreshments and time with friends away from the class. “The food was excellent; I really enjoyed the steak and carving station they had,” junior Jackson Stein said.   

Fashion was in the forefront, and one of the biggest trends this year was the variety of dress styles. Many girls wore satin dresses in colors like navy blue, emerald, burgundy and light pink. Corsage and boutonniere colors often matched outfits, and many chose glittery accessories and simple jewelry to finish their looks.

For the guys, black suits remained popular, but many students personalized them with colorful ties, dress shoes, or matching pocket squares. “I wore a black suit, with black pants, and black shoes, and matched my date by wearing a light pink tie,” junior Drew Milberg said.  

Teacher chaperones helped make sure the event ran smoothly and safely, allowing students to enjoy the evening while creating lasting memories with classmates.

For the junior class, prom was more than just a dance; it was a celebration of friendships, school spirit and the experiences that make high school memorable. 

As students left the venue, many talked about the fun they had and their after-prom plans. Many rented houses on the Jersey Shore, to spend more time with their closest friends and celebrate how far they have come together.  

The 2026 Junior Prom will certainly be remembered as a stylish and exciting night for RHS, bringing students together for an evening full of music, laughter and unforgettable moments.