Editor’s note: Prom Co-Advisor Brian Bartoz, Social Studies and Driver Education teacher, submitted this report of the MHS Prom with photographs. The Editor was unavailable to cover the event.
Morrison High School’s 2025 Prom, “Tangled: Light Up the Night,” was held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Livengood’s Barn, an event venue in Chadwick, IL. The Grand March preceded Prom and was held in the Auditorium, at 3:30 p.m. During Grand March, couples crossed the stage and were introduced to the audience, by Prom Co-Advisor Bartoz. Junior Prince Collin Renkes and Junior Princess Abigail Weston, elected by members of the Junior class, are pictured at the far left in the group photo.
Senior Prom Court members are elected by members of the Junior and Senior classes. Seniors participate in a second vote to choose the King and Queen. Left-to-right are Colton Bielema, Austin Boonstra, Adam Helms, Santana Sawyer, Isaiah McDearmon (Prom King), Paige Leighton (Prom Queen), Olivia Dauphin, Bella Duncan, Kenadi Hinrichsen, and Camryn Veltrop.
Prom was held at Livengood’s Barn from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. Over 135 students attended the event. The theme was developed by a committee of Juniors and Seniors, with the creative vision of Morrison resident Amanda Cook. Theme was based on the Disney film of the same name.
Jason Buikema, who serves as the announcer during many athletic events, served as the DJ. Utilizing equipment provided by Junior High Principal Joe Robbins, Buiekema collaborated with High School Principal David Mills, to connect to the Internet, in order to access the song playlist developed by a committee of Juniors.
“Judging by the number of students on the dance floor throughout the evening, Buikema did a fantastic job!” Bartoz said.
Onsite Photography took photos of couples and groups of students in front of a balloon arch. It featured purple and gold balloons.
Each Prom attendee received a scented candle, purchased from White Meadow Candles of Erie, IL, as a keepsake. Kenzie Workman of “Picture Perfect Memories” set up a mobile selfie station. Groups of students took photos using whimsical props. Bartoz noted, “The selfie photo area was very popular throughout the evening.”
Junior-year parents, led by Joe Robbins, coordinated a fun Post-Prom experience for students, in the High School Gym and Auditorium, from midnight to 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, April 27.
“I would like to thank all of the students, family members, and relatives who turned out for Grand March on Saturday afternoon. I wish to recognize LuEllen Lee, owner of The Blue Violet in downtown Morrison, for her excellent work on bouquets for members of the Prom Court. I want to thank Kali Livengood for her wonderful collaboration on this year’s event.
“I appreciate the work of all community members and students, who volunteered with various aspects of event setup and supervision, including Barney Wetzell, Christina Wetzell, and Jackie Damhoff. I must thank the teachers and staff who volunteered serve as chaperones, as well.
“My colleague Toni Prombo and I would especially like to thank Amanda Cook for the many hours of time, that she devoted planning the event, identifying décor to advance the theme, designing the program for Grand March, and turning the “Tangled” idea from a concept into reality.”