A promposal is a combination of the word prom and proposal. It is used to describe the event of a girl or guy being asked to prom in a cute, admirable, or extravagant way, usually in a public setting.

Promposals at Williston are different every year. From large banners draped in front of buildings to flowers and a simple sign reading “Prom?”, it really depends on the relationship with the person being asked and the creativity level of the promposer.

Promposals are usually only done by members of the senior class. They are able to ask or invite anyone they want whether their person of choice is from a different school or an underclassmen.

Some of the positives of promposals are that they could go really well, the person could be surprised, and it could be a really happy moment where two people get a date to prom. Yet on the negative side, it could be very awkward, especially with public promposals. Often, many people are watching in awe with pressuring stares in anticipation of a response. Some feel obligated to say yes even if they don’t want to, and it’s even more awkward and embarrassing if they say no.

One anonymous female student says, “[A promposal] shows that someone really wants to go with me and that he or she put a lot of thought into it.”

In addition, another female respondent of the same survey explains, “[Promposals] make me feel like someone went through some effort to ask me on a date like the old days, but with a new modern twist on it.”

Annika Smith ’15 describes how she was asked to prom, “This really cool and nice boy came to the pool before water polo. He made a really cute flag that said: “We are by the pool, you are pretty cool, please don’t be cruel. Prom?”

Grace McMeekin ’16, who was also invited to prom, explains how she was asked and says, “He asked me if I could help him with a photo project and I agreed to. He made movements with a flashlight. I was asked to hold down the button on a camera, which compiles many images into one. The outcome was the word “Prom?” written on the photo. I was surprised.”

About his own promposal, Rourke Ferguson ’15 says, “Hannah Fitzgerald, will you go to the prom with me?”