Pennsbury’s “best prom in America” makes comeback

Pennsbury High School’s Senior Prom returned in all its full-fledged splendor on Saturday, June 4.
The event at the Falls Township school, called “the best prom in America” by Reader’s Digest, was canceled in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic and was held in a limited form last year that included required masking, social distancing and other restrictions.
This year, it was back to full throttle as 950 prom goers enjoyed dancing, food, drink and lots of other fun. Pennsbury is one of the few high schools in the country that still holds its prom at the school instead of an off-site venue.
In addition, the Pennsbury prom has earned national recognition over the last many years for its elaborate decorations covering nearly every inch of the school, the pre-prom parade featuring attendees arriving in extravagantly decorated floats, and special guest appearances by stars like DJ Pauly D, John Mayer, Maroon 5 and Questlove. This year, DJ James Kennedy made a special guest appearance.
“Awesome,” said Pennsbury senior Ryan Tuite. “Very cool and very pop. It’s definitely original and different from what is expected, and definitely the best prom in America.”
Every Pennsbury prom has a decoration theme, and this year it was Promi-Con. Hallways and rooms were adorned with decorations highlighting popular culture, movies and television shows. Attendees got a taste of Harry Potter, Dr. Who, Dr. Seuss and many others as they walked around the school. Among the most eye-catching highlights was an animatronic Ice Dragon from the HBO hit “Game of Thrones.”
“Very well done and eccentric compared to most proms,” said Pennsbury senior Liz McCaffrey, who was accompanied by Linden (N.J.) High School senior Michael Palacio.
“It’s so cool the way they use the whole school. Every room has a purpose.”

Palacio was equally impressed, though adding he also much enjoyed his own prom held at an outside venue.
“It’s so nice to be able to do this without the masks and everything else,” said Pennsbury senior Taylor Salnaltis, who was accompanied by classmate Jacob Cohen.
“It’s very exciting but also bittersweet because it’s one of the last things in your senior year.”
School District Superintendent Thomas Smith was enthralled as he walked around and soaked in everything the prom had to offer.
“Amazing,” he said of the decorations fashioned and put up by parents, students, staff and many other volunteers.
“I was here at the high school one day in October and parents had already started to work on murals. It’s truly a community event and a great Pennsbury tradition.”
Patrick Diamond and Taylor Petruccio were crowned prom king and queen.

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