It’s 1923, and you’re in your evening ball gown, being whisked away to have the night of your (teenage) life. As you step out of your horse-drawn carriage, bright lights flood your vision as you gaze at the mansion ahead of you. Don’t be fooled, though, that mansion is the Raleigh Union Station, the horse-drawn carriage is your mother’s minivan, and your evening ball gown is a polyester nightmare from Macy’s. As you make your way through the throngs of teens, you begin to suspect that this exclusive “Great Gatsby Soiree” was indeed an imitation of opulence. But hey, it’s prom night, what could possibly go wrong? Rest assured, this guide, curated by Eagle’s Eye staff writers, will ensure that you will have a night so memorable you’ll be telling your grandchildren about it!

General Information

• Enloe’s Prom will be held on Saturday, April 12, at the Raleigh Union Station from 7-10 PM. Yes, your prom is held at a train station, and no, we don’t know why either. What do they expect you to do there? Maybe something along the lines of your lost love wants to throw you a lavish party in hopes of a reunion, but instead of a mansion, you’ll be surrounded by trains and confused commuters. Either way, dress like you’re going to meet Jay Gatsby, but don’t forget to bring your ticket—it is, after all, a train station. See you there, old sport!
• If you somehow haven’t heard, the dress code is Great Gatsby Soiree. Be sure to look fancy, but remember: if you can sit down or breathe, you aren’t doing it right. For the vertically challenged out there, those 7-inch platforms are exactly what you need!
• Enloe fashion is all about standing out—someone will show up in a suit made of duct tape. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there; that’s the whole point of prom. Remember when Geo wore light-up sneakers to homecoming? That’s the level of high fashion you should be going for.

Before the Dance

• There are so many unique ways to ask someone to the dance. A simple “Hey, want to go to prom?” is NOT the level of pizzazz a Great Gatsby Soiree demands. Instead, a flash mob would be perfect. You have to go all out. Come up with one of those interpretive dances you see all over TikTok, and we promise, your partner will LOVE it.
• Is your partner obsessed with TikTok trends? Impress them with your immense knowledge and skill by suggesting the famous “Suit and Tie” prom transition. With prom season, your FYP is sure to be filled with inspiration.
• You have many options to arrive: carpool, Uber/Lyft, or a parental chauffeur. Your mom dropping you off is only embarrassing if you let it be. If you’re not pulling up in a limo, what are you even doing?

During the Dance

• You already know the dance floor is about to get lit. It’s Enloe, so expect everything from ballroom elegance to a mosh pit in the middle of “Last Friday Night.”
• We need to petition for Geo to DJ!! If not, then fingers crossed they play more than just 2010s throwbacks and TikTok songs.
• Bored? Don’t you even worry! Walk outside by the train tracks, and you can play real-life Subway Surfers right outside! It might be a little life-threatening, but what’s life without a little fun?

After the Dance

• Be honest, are you really an Enloe student if you don’t pull up to Waffle House at 2 AM? It’s practically traditional, and what else would you do—go home like some kind of weirdo?

So there you have it—your ultimate guide to surviving and thriving at Enloe’s Great Gatsby Soiree. Whether you’re dazzling the crowd with your avant-garde fashion, making an unforgettable promposal, or just trying to make it through the night without getting thrown into the principal’s office, remember: it’s all about having fun! So get out there, create some questionable memories, and don’t forget to thank your mom for that immaculate minivan ride. After all, prom may be for just one night, but stories last a lifetime.