In their prom formalwear, Haldane seniors Claire Bolte, Caroline Sniffen, Kira Drury and Amelia Scarpino ascend the outdoor staircase during the traditional pre-dance class photos at Boscobel on Friday June 6, 2025.
Between the crowd surfing, janky musical transitions, photos in the rain, and surprise theme, Haldane Prom 2025 was certainly a night to remember.
The evening began with the traditional photoshoot at Boscobel House and Gardens in Garrison, with the crowd dressed to the nines. Although the session was twice interrupted by rain, and the walk through the dirt to the most photogenic areas was a difficult journey for those in heels, couples and friend groups managed to take quick photos in the moments between spring showers. At the prom itself– which took place at the grand Thayer Hotel at West Point this year– people enjoyed a varied buffet dinner followed by a treat or two of their choosing from the dessert bar. The floor was jumping as students danced to popular tunes trying to keep up with the DJ’s abrupt cutting from one song to the next. Masks were provided to all guests, contributing to a theme that was somewhat a surprise: masquerade!
Some years, Haldane alternates the location of its prom between Boscobel and the Thayer Hotel, allowing students to experience both– one in their junior year, and one in their senior year. There is some consistency throughout the years. For example, the Boscobel grounds are open for pictures before prom, regardless of whether the dance is being held there. Parents and families are allowed to accompany their child and experience the stunning view of the Hudson River. Prom is inclusive- anyone can invite a guest, although they must be under the age of 21, and guests have to pay an extra fee. There’s typically a professional photographer, a photo booth, a dance floor, and a DJ. To end the evening, a Prom King and Queen are announced and celebrated.
On the morning before the dance, Friday June 6, juniors and seniors attended a mandatory meeting in the school auditorium discussing behavioral expectations, especially regarding alcohol consumption. With that, this year’s prom was a go.
This year’s senior students, who had experienced a Boscobel prom their junior year and attended the dance at the Thayer this year shared their opinions on which location they preferred.
“The Thayer is able to accommodate a party more. I think Boscobel is a really beautiful place for pictures, but the Thayer is made for these types of events,” stated senior Amelia Alayon, this year’s Prom Queen. “I thought the food was a lot better at the Thayer. Overall, it was more fun at the Thayer. The DJ was better, too. Better vibes.”
Senior Josephine Foley-Hedlund, student council president, said: “Boscobel is really pretty, but it’s really spread out. Everyone goes in their own little groups, and there’s no mixing. But since the Thayer’s smaller, everyone’s all together and it’s more like a big party.”
“Thayer better,” said senior Marc Firpo, 2025 Valedictorian.
Though it is a rare gift for a school to have access to two beautiful prom locations, the Thayer seemed the clear preference.
Haldane students also had some lingering questions about their prom: Do other schools actually use limos? Not one limo was spotted at the Haldane Prom. Is Haldane lame, or taking a stand against consumerism?
Ultimately, Haldane students had a blast this year- even in the rain and fog. Hopefully, next year, students will get to experience a beautiful sunset at Boscobel. But rain or shine, Haldane always will have a good time.
Keira Shanahan contributed reporting.