Big gold balloon 2022 numerals stood at least five feet high in the entrance to the North Royalton High School prom held this year at the Weymouth Country Club in Medina. It is the first prom in two years that has been held in the elegance of an indoor venue. The members of the senior class and their guests enjoyed an evening of dinner and dancing as their four-year high school adventure quickly draws to a close. Booking arrangements for this year’s prom venue were made a year in advance; the senior class began planning the theme and décor in January. Tickets for the prom were $70 for dinner, dancing, beverages, entrance to the after prom, and the important T-shirt that says 2022. The months from planning to fulfillment now appear in the rear-view mirror of what was Senior Year. Students that were asked were all excited about graduating on June 3. Everyone wants to move on and spread their wings in university, training, a job; they are ready for bigger adventures. The prom put those considerations aside for an evening that was dedicated to dapper guys in suits and ties, and girls in elegant dresses.
Isabel Paulesc chose to wear her elegant blue gown twice, once as a guest at St. Ed’s prom with Michael Pattoe and again when he accompanied her to NRHS prom. Dalal Ibrahim came with a group of girls for the evening. “It’s more fun that way,” she said. Dalal, is going to attend Florida State to study business. Pankti Mehta who was in that group of friends, had beautifully painted henna designs on her hands as part of her attire. Pankti plans to attend Rice University in Texas, to study bioengineering and computer science. Mitchell Montage was spotted with a gold headed walking stick. Mitchell intends to attend Bowling Green U. for their aviation program. Mitchell’s guest was Fiona Kosa.
It was impossible to talk with all the students and hear their current plans; here are students with a sampling of their plans: Nikola Ernjakovic will be studying Neurosciences; Joe Adcock, computer science; Ali Taylor, Ohio U; Jimmy Zickermannn (3 n’s) has plans to go to Lithuania for two years and plans to play water polo.
A group of young ladies sitting at Table 7 were having a good time. Madison Stark says she will be going to Miami for Poly-Sci and Lizzy Shiplett for the architectural program. Sara Llap-i-Sanz, is an exchange student and a sophomore who was invited to the prom to share the time with friends. She is going back Valencia, Spain, in June, “They don’t have proms in Spain, you get a graduation certificate. I really appreciate being at the prom.” Alanna Saad is attending The Ohio State University for psych and a pre-med track; Gabrielle Brihn, mathematics and statistics; Molly Petrina, poli-sci and journalism, added “Mr. Henry, the school newspaper advisor, introduced me to journalism style, I have him to thank.” Paige Perkins is going to pursue a nursing degree. Over at another table of young men Francis Blasko reported that his summer job is umpiring rec league baseball and he is pursuing mechanical engineering and accounting. Colin Weitzner is a lifeguard and swim instructor; he will be pursuing Chemical Engineering. Cousins Nick and Dom Piccolomini are both considering engineering. Alex Kanieski likes film production and is following in the steps of the Russo brothers who filmed “The Avengers,” and other movies, in Cleveland. Jake Minor already owns two businesses: Minor’s Mulch, mulch, delivery, installation, and clean-up; and Card-My-Yard, yard sized greeting cards for birthdays, new babies, and other announcements. Kaylee Spangler, who works with the cards, will be going to BW for business. Joe Schmidt is following his grandpa into civil engineering and urban planning. Larry Betelewski is answering the call of the trades and will one day be a master plumber.
The dining was over, but the dancing continued until 11 p.m., then students headed over to the After Prom at the Strongsville Rec Center. After Prom has been a project of senior class parents for almost five decades to offer a safe space to party after the prom with more food, activities, and prizes from midnight until after 3 a.m.
This was the twenty-second prom for 1989 North Royalton High School graduate, Sean Osborn. As principal, he described the young people as, “well mannered, intelligent, and kind. We’re proud of our seniors.” Congratulations to all.
By LINDA KWARCIANY
Contributing Writer
