The Shorecrest Upper School will host its annual prom on Saturday April 25 at the Red Mesa Cantina in downtown St. Pete. However, this year, an interactive approach will be taken to increase the excitement. For the first time, the prom committee is holding a Masquerade Mask Contest that will match the theme of the dance, A Masquerade in Bloom. 

     Students will enter their masks into the contest as they walk into the dance by signing a sign-up sheet. From that moment, the judges, US Head Dean and 12th Grade Dean Stacy Alexander and US Social Studies Department Chair and GSI Director Kayla Brazee, will evaluate masks based on originality, creativity and overall quality. Students are told to adhere to the dance’s theme, including using flower or nature elements when crafting their masks.

     Masks must be completely student crafted, and materials are provided in Brazee’s classroom. Materials that are supplied include fake flowers, acrylic paint, glitter and feathers. A variety of plain masks will also be provided, with the option to choose a handheld mask, or ones with an elastic band. Students are also welcome to buy their own materials for their masks.

     The three chosen winners for the competition will be announced halfway through the dance. Although the prizes for the competition have not been disclosed, the rewards are described as “very generous.” 

     The competition is aimed to increase student participation in prom while still remaining low stakes and optional.

     “[The contest] makes the dance a little bit more student-centered,” Brazee said. “The whole point of prom is to celebrate 11th and 12th grade, and I think it’s a great way for [students] to engage in prom, with one another and with the faculty.”