She hobbled to the entrance on her broken heel as her date checked his watch. The evening started with a pre-prom dinner but became a five-hour fiasco. With the prom venue only a block away, the car ran out of gas. Because no one bothered to check the forecast, she and her date walked in the rain to prom. When they finally arrived, decor littered the floor as the clock struck midnight. Suddenly, she remembered the list of reminders the newspaper staff posted only days before, and she realized her grave mistake in ignoring their advice.

Prom will begin at 8 p.m., April 16 at the Grand Plaza in the Amarillo Civic Center. Prom tickets can be purchased until Friday afternoon in the library or online for $40 each. In preparation, The Eagle’s Tale staff created a list of helpful tips and reminders for prom.

• Buy your tickets.
• Make dinner reservations unless you plan on going to Wendy’s at 7:30 p.m.
• If you want a date, you still have time (kind of).
• You can be absorbed into a group if you don’t have a date.
• Make hair and nail appointments NOW.
• Check the weather forecast.
• Order your boutonniere or corsage.
• Make sure your transportation is in order and ready to go.
• Wear comfortable shoes.
• Clean your car and yourself.
• Prom day is the day for your best hygiene.
• If you don’t know your date well, acquaint yourself prior to Saturday.
• Don’t drink and drive.
• Try to arrive on time. 
• Don’t be afraid to dance. The room is dark anyway, but be appropriate. No one wants to see that.
• Remember, teachers and parents will be there.
• Act first class in all situations.
• Treat your date with respect.
• Don’t let others ruin your night.
• If you are going to an after party, make sure to bring a change of clothing.
• Know your curfew.
• It is never too late to call your parents.
• Don’t stress. It’s just one night.
• Be safe, have fun and make good choices.