High school dance night: Big turnout at Cleveland Hilton for fancy prom fun

The annual prom for St. Ignatius High School took over the downtown Cleveland Hilton this year, drawing close to 600 students and their guests. Instead of a traditional black-tie event, they went with a "Derby Day" theme linked to the Kentucky Derby, blending racing excitement with high school tradition. The ballroom was decked out with bright decorations, including a glowing sign that read "Prom Day" — put together by a local balloon company. Music was handled by a Cleveland DJ who kept the dance floor packed all night. Students also had access to a 360-degree photo booth, perfect for capturing fun group shots.Catering came from the hotel’s kitchen, offering a mix of warm dishes like sliced beef and roasted chicken, served with pasta, potatoes, and salad. Dessert was a cheesecake finish — classic, simple, and what you’d expect from a prom menu. A prom like this isn’t just about dancing and photos. It’s one of those teen milestones where students dress up, make memories, and step into a world that feels a little more grown-up — though still very much in high school mode. What’s interesting is how schools blend traditions. Prom themes often reflect pop culture or sports events. In this case, a racing theme brought a fresh twist while still keeping the core prom experience intact.