As the sun set on May 16, behind a mechanical backdrop of jets and prop planes, Newbury Park High School [NPHS] students celebrated their last school dance together with the class of 2026. Held at the Camarillo Airport, the dynamic setting and collection of classmates allowed for a nostalgic and unifying night. Prom, in American culture, has always been glamorized as a night to honor the graduating class right before graduation, and Newbury’s unique way of bringing students together is what leaves their memory behind.
Krish Devgania, senior, reflects on the people he has connected with during his time at NPHS.
“My favorite part of prom was being able to play games and talk to all of my friends that I’ve met in the last four years, [and] also being able to spend time with all of my friends that I’ve known from elementary school and middle school,” Devgania said.
Seeing classmates outside of a school environment and soaking in the exciting venue was not the only highlight of the night for Catherine Oliver, junior, but so was getting ready and spending time with the people she loves.
“My favorite part of prom was everything leading up to it like picking my dress, getting ready with friends, and taking photos,” Oliver said.
Her experience at prom reflects a culture shift surrounding the event, something that the new class can celebrate together.
“I think prom and the stigma around prom has definitely changed. I feel like it used to be like a super important event everyone would attend and many [people] would also have dates or someone to attend with. I feel like now it’s less people and it’s sort of turned into a general dance for anyone,” Oliver said, reflecting on her first time attending.
Also her first time, Carly Hagenbach, sophomore, attended as a guest, enjoyed the ambiance of the dance and the stylistic edge it added to the night.
“My favorite part was the atmosphere, the lighting was really beautiful, and being at an airport with planes made it feel unique,” Hagenbach said.
Similar to Oliver’s experience and expectations, prom became a place for genuine connection amongst NPHS.
“I think prom has become more about having fun and less about pressure or expectations, so it still holds up but in a more relaxed way,” Hagenbach said.
Prom has shifted into a night of remembrance and community for all students to gather and reflect.
“Reflecting on who I was in freshman year to who I am in senior year was a special part about prom that helped me realize something. I felt happy and surprised that I’ve made all of these friends in these four years,” Devgania said.
As NPHS says goodbye to Devgania and the class of 2026, there is always something to take away from each person and their experiences. As the night faded and guests trickled out of the unique venue, the reminiscence of the connections and conversations between each student lingered, leaving the past year to a final rest.