In the Tiki, Tiki, Tiki, Tiki prom ...

Deepa Bharath

It wasn’t a regular high school prom. It wasn’t meant to be.

But it was Orange Coast Middle College High School’s first-ever

prom. So, the excitement in the Balboa Fun Zone as the students

waited to board the Tiki boat was palpable.

The school had made an unsuccessful attempt last year at starting

this tradition, which is almost taken for granted at other high

schools.

“We wanted to have one last year, but didn’t really get a good

response from students and parents,” said Richard Hoff, English

teacher and one of the school’s founders. “But this year, it all

worked out.”

The school, housed in the Orange Coast College campus, was founded

eight years ago. Open only to 11th- and 12th-grade students, the

school offers more challenging courses and an alternative style of

education, Hoff said. The school has 60 students enrolled, and it

seemed like almost everyone made it to the prom, he said.

The school is different in that there are no cliques and no one

feels left out, Hoff said.

“We encourage our students to express their individuality,” he

said.

The school’s philosophy showed in the appearance of the students.

A few of them stuck to traditional prom outfits such as tuxedos and

gowns. Others, like Jared Stanton decided to experiment.

Stanton was dressed in an all-white suit with a matching hat and

walking stick.

“I decided to go for the pimp uniform or whatever,” the junior

said with a smile. “I went all out. I’m just enjoying myself right

now, and I’m glad to be around all these wonderful people, my

friends.”

Bianka Fimbres decided to go for that casual look, sporting a

long, printed skirt and a black top. “It’s nice to know that you can

dress any way you want and you won’t be judged by everyone just

because you’re different,” she said.

Krysta Wingerte went for a more traditional turquoise dress.

“The moment I saw this dress I knew it was the one,” she said. “I

wanted the turquoise color to match my eyes. I even had it altered.

That’s how much I liked it.”

The students were getting ready to sail into the sunset for a

harbor cruise, which included a catered dinner.

Marion and Peter Hartwich accompanied their son, Peter Jr.

“It’s our first prom,” Marion Hartwich said. “We’re from Germany

and we never had proms in Europe. This is our chance.”

School traditions bring students closer to the institution, said

principal Bob Nanney.

“We need to establish traditions so students feel emotionally

attached to their school,” he said. “Something like this really

brings all our students together.”