While prom is designed to be a celebratory moment for South students at the end of their high school careers, for seniors Lotty Gates and Jackson Montague, it was extra special. Ending high school with a bang, Gates and Montague were crowned South’s prom king and queen.
Dating since sophomore year, the couple will attend Michigan State University together this fall, with Gates majoring in elementary education and Montague majoring in construction management with a minor in business. Gates and Montague were crowned with royal blue sashes and sparkling crowns on the dance floor as their classmates celebrated their win, an unexpected surprise for both of them.
“Jackson and I didn’t even know we were nominated until halfway during the second round,” Gates said. “We were not petitioning for the spot; we won due to the support from our friends. All of my friends were so excited for Jackson and I.”
Prom is the final major event for South seniors before graduation, so it is important to create unforgettable memories and appreciate the experience. Montague points out that even though the dance itself brings excitement, traditions surrounding prom — traveling up north for the weekend with your closest friends, for instance — make the event even more notable.
“It was such a cool experience to win prom king and queen with Lotty,” Montague said. “Going up north after the dance made the night very special, and it’s a once in a lifetime event that you will never get again.”
Although their time at South is officially coming to a close with graduation on June 1, Gates encourages all South students to go outside their comfort zones in order to make the most of their time in high school.
“Branch out with your friend choices and out of school activities, because that will create opportunities that you never thought would come,” Gates said. “Take the risk of hanging out with someone who you’re not as close with to form new friendships.”
