ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

PHOTOS: Prom brings a night under the prairie stars for Willmar students

Willmar Senior High School hosted grand march and prom festivities on Friday, May 5, 2023.

Willmar Senior High Prom 050523 001.jpg
Willmar Senior High School seniors Lauren Dirker, at left, and date Braxton Heid pull up to the school as the first vehicle in the grand march for prom on Friday, May 5, 2023. This year's theme for prom was, "A Night Under The Prairie Stars."
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune

WILLMAR — The engine rumbles of cool, classic cars echoed off the brick walls of Willmar Senior High School as vehicles slowly pulled up in front of the school Friday evening. Dapper boys and glamorous girls exited their vehicles ony to be met by hundreds of proud parents huddled around the grand march pathway as students made their way into the school.

This year's theme for prom was "A Night Under The Prairie Stars." After making their way through the school for a second announcement on the auditorium stage and professional portraits, students loaded up on buses and traveled to Stonewall Farms where they danced late into the evening hours.

Willmar Senior High Prom 050523 002.jpg
A boy opens the door for his date at Willmar Senior High School as people prepare for the start of the grand march prior to prom on Friday, May 5, 2023.
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Willmar Senior High Prom 050523 003.jpg
A prom couple smile while walking the runway in front of Willmar Senior High School on Friday, May 5, 2023.
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Willmar Senior High Prom 050523 004.jpg
Juniors Hayden Venenga ad Katelyn Garberding pull up to Willmar Senior High School in style during this year's prom grnd march on Friday, May 5, 2023.
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
MORE BY MACY MOORE
More Photo Galleries by Macy Moore on Wctrib.com from across west central Minnesota. For quick access, bookmark: wctrib.com/photo-galleries
More than 20 bands play at various stages throughout downtown New London during Porchfest on Saturday, June 23, 2023.
Green Lake BMX hosts MN BMX State Qualifier in Spicer on Saturday, June 3, 2023.
Willmar Senior High School held its Class of 2023 commencement at the Willmar Civic Center on Sunday, June 4, 2023.
Little Crow Ski opened its summer season Friday at Neer Park. The team will perform through the end of August, 2023.
Novice and advanced spoon carvers converge in the small town of Milan for the 17th annual Spoon Gathering this weekend.
More than two dozen Memorial Day ceremonies took place throughout west central Minnesota on Monday, May 29, as residents paid respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Sibley State Park teaches children fishing basics on Lake Andrew over Memorial Day weekend on Saturday, May 27, 2023.
Graduation ceremony sees 23 students walk across the stage to receive their diplomas on Saturday, May 27.
Veterans and community members come together to place American flags on veteran graves, raise 100 flags at memorial the morning of Friday, May 26, 2023.
Willmar students won the Minnesota Technology and Engineering Educators Association Supermileage Challenge at Brainerd International Raceway with a car that recorded a top performance single run of 532.55 miles per gallon.
Red fox kits are visible from a home den in Chippewa County on Saturday, May 20, 2023.
Section 5A golf at Eagle Creek Golf Club on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, in Willmar.
Norwegian celebration fills Milan's downtown streets as residents celebrate their heritage Saturday, May 20, 2023.
Twin Cities magician Justin Alan brings, laughs, curiosity and fun to Willmar during his magic show at the Willmar Community Center on Thursday, May 18, 2023.
Area trees, foliage burst back to life as temperatures and long, sunny days mark their return this spring season.
Fishing season for popular fish including walleye, bass and northern pike kicks off over the weekend.
Proud parents, family and friends fill sidewalks and theatre to watch students in prom grand march on Saturday, May 6, 2023.
On May 4, 2023, the day before this year's Willmar Senior High School prom, school staff dress up for staff prom.
Children bike, roll and ride scooters to school during National Bike & Roll to School Day on Wednesday, May 3, 2023.
Vendors, games and a color run for kiddos highlight annual Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 29, 2023, in Willmar.
New ambulance exhibit donated by CentraCare revealed at museum's five-year celebration on Friday, April 28, 2023.
As area lakes and streams thaw, waterfowl moving north inundate open waters throughout Kandiyohi County.
Members of the Ridgewater Welding program constructed a life-size stainless steel German shepherd sculpture, which will be displayed at the Law Enforcement Center.
A weekly drum circle on Wednesdays at the Willmar Community Center focuses on community, engagement and a way to decompress while having a little fun.
First-ever Daddy Daughter Formal is a smashing success as hundreds register for night of dancing.
Law enforcement and community members pay their respects to slain Pope County Sheriff's Deputy Josh Owen during his funeral at Minnewaska Area High School on Saturday, April 22, 2023, in Glenwood, Minnesota.
Folks gathered for music, guest speakers and more at the Willmar Civic Center during the annual Life Connections event on Friday, April 21, 2023.
Karen Aakre passes along Norwegian skinfeller teachings during a two-day course at Milan Village Arts School.
Photographer Macy Moore captured some of the scenes along the Minnnesota and Chippewa rivers, which were near major flood levels on Saturday, April 15, 2023.
Folks learn how to turn junk into journals at the Willmar Public Library on Tuesday, April 11, 2023.

Willmar Senior High Prom 050523 005.jpg
Willmar Senior High School senior Esperanza Salinas, at left, attaches a boutonniere to the jacket of senior Jayden Turrubiates while waiting for grand march to begin on Friday, May 5, 2023.
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Willmar Senior High Prom 050523 006.jpg
Junior Andrew Garcia drives sophomore date Paige Thompson to grand march in a souped-up golf cart before prom on Friday, May 5, 2023.
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Willmar Senior High Prom 050523 007.jpg
Prom attendees arrive to Willmar Senior High School for this year's prom grand march on Friday, May 5, 2023. This year's theme for prom was, "A Night Under The Prairie Stars."
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Willmar Senior High Prom 050523 008.jpg
Prom attendees arrive to Willmar Senior High School for this year's prom grand march on Friday, May 5, 2023. This year's theme for prom was, "A Night Under The Prairie Stars."
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Willmar Senior High Prom 050523 009.jpg
Prom attendees arrive to Willmar Senior High School for this year's prom grand march on Friday, May 5, 2023. This year's theme for prom was, "A Night Under The Prairie Stars."
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Willmar Senior High Prom 050523 010.jpg
Prom attendees arrive to Willmar Senior High School for this year's prom grand march on Friday, May 5, 2023. This year's theme for prom was, "A Night Under The Prairie Stars."
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Willmar Senior High Prom 050523 011.jpg
Prom attendees arrive to Willmar Senior High School for this year's prom grand march on Friday, May 5, 2023. This year's theme for prom was, "A Night Under The Prairie Stars."
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Willmar Senior High Prom 050523 012.jpg
Prom attendees arrive to Willmar Senior High School for this year's prom grand march on Friday, May 5, 2023. This year's theme for prom was, "A Night Under The Prairie Stars."
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Willmar Senior High Prom 050523 013.jpg
Prom attendees arrive to Willmar Senior High School for this year's prom grand march on Friday, May 5, 2023. This year's theme for prom was, "A Night Under The Prairie Stars."
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Willmar Senior High Prom 050523 014.jpg
Prom attendees arrive to Willmar Senior High School for this year's prom grand march on Friday, May 5, 2023. This year's theme for prom was, "A Night Under The Prairie Stars."
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune

Willmar Senior High Prom 050523 015.jpg
Prom attendees arrive to Willmar Senior High School for this year's prom grand march on Friday, May 5, 2023. This year's theme for prom was, "A Night Under The Prairie Stars."
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Willmar Senior High Prom 050523 016.jpg
Prom attendees arrive to Willmar Senior High School for this year's prom grand march on Friday, May 5, 2023. This year's theme for prom was, "A Night Under The Prairie Stars."
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Willmar Senior High Prom 050523 017.jpg
Prom attendees arrive to Willmar Senior High School for this year's prom grand march on Friday, May 5, 2023. This year's theme for prom was, "A Night Under The Prairie Stars."
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Related:
The Tribune publishes Records as part of its obligation to inform readers about the business of public institutions and to serve as a keeper of the local historical record. All items are written by Tribune staff members based on information contained in public documents from the state court system and from law enforcement agencies. It is the Tribune’s policy that this column contain a complete record. Requests for items to be withheld will not be granted.
Post 1639 claims 12-2 road win on Tuesday
Jensen claims the medical board violated his rights by investigating his license to suppress his out-of-mainstream statements on COVID-19.
The Willmar Velocity 10U fast-pitch softball team won a national qualifying tournament in Cottage Grove
Willmar Public Schools will be surveying its residents starting Wednesday, June 7. The random sample phone survey will be conducted by the Morris Leatherman Co. of Minneapolis.
The community band performs five shows at Rice Park in Willmar over five weeks. The concerts are free.
Divorces granted in May 2023 in Kandiyohi County District Court
Free breakfast and lunch will be available at Willmar schools this summer for all children 18 or younger. Meals will be served at one school June 12 through Aug. 25 and at two others during June.
The funds come from the Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program and will help fund the project at Minnesota Highway 23 and CSAH 55, south of Willmar.
Four people suffered non-life-threatening injuries — three were transported to the hospital — after a reported crash on U.S. Highway 12 in Kandiyohi Township Monday afternoon. According to the Minnesota State Patrol, one vehicle was attempting a left turn when the vehicles collided.

Macy Moore is an award-winning photojournalist at the West Central Tribune in Willmar, Minnesota.
She can be reached via email: mmoore@wctrib.com or phone: 320.214.4338.
What To Read Next
Get Local

ADVERTISEMENT