Since the 1950’s, American high schools have offered prom royalty to their students, a friendly competition among students where they vote on who has the most beauty, poise and popularity. This friendly competition has stopped recently for the students at Marriotts Ridge, sparking conversation among students and staff.
“I think [prom royalty] is a light-hearted and fun way for people to get more involved during prom and homecoming season; the competition could make people more involved in the school,” said junior Ella Ugiansky.
With Prom around the corner, people are voicing their opinions.
“The common argument is that it is just a popularity contest; however, [prom royalty] is no different from SGA. Being a voting system based on who is more well known amongst the students,” claimed Ugiansky.
Many students share the same opinion as Ugiansky, saying it is unfair for students. In Howard County, multiple other schools participate in homecoming royalty and or prom royalty traditions.
However, the tradition has become less common, with some students not starting to enjoy the activity and not wanting to partake in prom royalty.
“I think [prom royalty] is unfair to the students who do not win; being only a popularity contest, the people who deserve to win it will not,” voiced senior Christian Luke.
The decision to have prom royalty is also based on the junior student council, a student government program at Marriotts Ridge High School planning school-sponsored events. And the council’s advisors, Mrs.Brady and Mrs.Kol.
The school’s faculty shares a common perspective regarding the possibility of having a prom royalty. They think if executed properly, such an event could provide a fun and positive platform for showcasing school’s students.
“In the last ten years, some schools started to peel away and not do it anymore. Schools stopped seeing the value in it, and didn’t know that it brought more happiness than sadness for the students,” remarked School Principal, Dr. Dipaula.
“The junior class council and junior class advisors work together to put up an event that is memorable and exciting for everyone involved, and if it’s something that students felt strongly about, they could advocate it for the junior class council. It is possible to have [prom royalty], there is no rule saying we cannot have it,” commented Dipaula
With strong advocacy, Marriotts Ridge could have prom royalty. Recently Ugiansky has been advocating for the idea, bringing it up to junior council president Leah Klaus.
“I will make sure to bring it up at the next class and general assembly meeting, and the class council advisors support the topic so far, they just need to find a way to implement it correctly,” explained Klaus.
With Prom royalty being discontinued at Marriotts Ridge, it has led to a range of opinions among students and staff. Some view it as a playful way to enhance student involvement during prom and homecoming, dismissing claims that it’s merely a popularity contest. Students argue for its reinstatement, expressing concerns about fairness compared to other schools in Howard County. The decision rests with the junior student council and advisors, who believe prom royalty could serve as a positive platform to showcase students. Junior council president Leah Klaus is actively advocating for its return, hoping to discuss the matter in upcoming class and general assembly meetings.