Anxious chatter about shopping for dresses, tuxes and shoes has begun to flitter among upperclassman. Prom is the reason for the season.

Seniors and juniors alike will celebrate the end of the year on April 16 at the annual formal event.

The theme for this year’s dance is Villa Italiana, decided by the Junior Advisory.

Junior Class treasurer, Kayla Hall, said, “We tried to imitate last year’s prom fun with all the help from Mr. [Todd] Decker, but this year, we hope to have a few more activities. Like we want a photobooth as well as a photographer.”

Other special activities include a  best dressed and cutest couple award. Ladies, be prepared. There is also a male dance contest.

Prom nominations for king and queen are underway in the Commons at lunch. The court will be announced the evening of Prom.

Tickets  go on sale today, April 5 and are $60 a for a couples ticket.

According to Assistant Principal Matt Dieckhaus, “Renaissance students will receive 10 percent off their ticket only, not their date’s ticket.”

Also, make sure to have the names and number of people who will be seated at one table. There are an allotted eight people per table, so be prepared in making arrangements.

The Italian prom begins at 7 p.m. and ends at 11 p.m at the Renaissance Grand Hotel on the 21800 Washington Avenue in St. Louis.