On April 7, 2022, Cherry Hill East juniors excitedly entered the Auletto Caterers in Deptford, NJ for the annual Junior Prom. The event, planned for months prior by the class of 2023’s SGA, proved successful by the sight of the dance floor packed with students. With about 450 students in attendance, Junior Prom provided students with a night full of dancing and fun with their peers.

The theme of this year’s Junior Prom was “Gold Rush.” Class president, Sidd Pejavera (‘23) said that they considered “Cloud 9” at first, but ultimately decided “Gold Rush” was the best option.

The decorations around Auletto Caterers represented the theme very nicely. “We made gold-themed centerpieces with flowers and embellishments that matched the color scheme. We also had a tumbler as our giveaway that was gold and black to match the gold rush theme,” class vice president, Kiran Muttathil (‘23) said.

The theme was just one of the many factors that SGA had to plan for the special night. Beginning in September and October, the class officers and representatives, along with the class advisors, Mr. Mancinelli and Ms. Smaldore, started deciding on a venue, food, music and all other elements to make Junior Prom a success. They also focused on planning fundraisers throughout the year in order to raise money for the big event.

The junior class officers toured multiple venues as they searched for the perfect venue for Junior Prom. Prior to choosing Auletto Caterers, they toured the Camden Aquarium, the Westin and the Collingswood Ballroom.

“We ultimately chose Aulettos because of how spacious and open it felt. Their beautiful outdoor area was also a large part of our decision even though the weather on prom night ended up not being great,” Muttathil said.

Emily Pober (‘23), a junior at the prom, also enjoyed how spacious the venue was and the layout of the ballroom. “I loved spending the night and taking pictures with my friends,” Pober (‘23) said.

Auletto Caterers provided the junior class with an assortment of food. Pejavera enjoyed the unique options that the venue supplied.

“We had chicken and waffles, salad, pasta, a fry bar, sushi, ice cream and more,” Pejavera said.

After last year’s Junior Prom and other school events occurring differently than usual due to COVID-19, this year’s Junior Prom was able to return to normal. Students were allowed to bring dates from other grades and schools other than East. The event was also able to return to an indoor venue, whereas last year’s Junior Prom took place outdoors at the Flying W in Medford, NJ.

“My favorite part of junior prom had to be planning it and seeing everything you worked so hard on come to fruition. It was surreal to watch 4 months of hard work and preparation unfold in one amazing night,” Muttathil said.

Overall, Junior Prom 2022 was a great success that displayed all of the hard work that the class of 2023 put into the night.