West students line up before the DJ for a dance at prom May 2. Prom was held at The Highlander Hotel in Iowa City.
West students line up before the DJ for a dance at prom May 2. Prom was held at The Highlander Hotel in Iowa City.
Sonya Zhu

Through the lens: West’s prom

Amid flashing lights and bass-boomed speakers, students partied through the evening at prom. Celebrated at the Highlander Hotel in Iowa City on May 2, upperclassmen danced and reveled before going to West High for Party After Prom.
Byline photo of Sonya Zhu
Sonya Zhu, Print Photo Editor
May 3, 2026

West High students dance together at prom May 2. The night featured a DJ and video booth.

(Sonya Zhu)
A student crowdsurfs at West's prom. The party was held May 2 at The Highlander Hotel.

A student surfs the crowd at West’s prom. The party was held on May 2 at The Highlander Hotel.

A student crowdsurfs at West’s prom. The party was held May 2 at The Highlander Hotel. (Sonya Zhu)

Students pose for a prom photo at The Highlander Hotel on May 2. Alongside photo opportunities, the party included a video booth.

(Sonya Zhu)
Students shuffle dance together with light sticks at The Highlander Hotel May 2. Throughout the night, the DJ played a variety of songs.

Students shuffle dance together with light sticks at The Highlander Hotel on May 2. Throughout the night, the DJ played a variety of songs.

Students shuffle dance together with light sticks at The Highlander Hotel May 2. Throughout the night, the DJ played a variety of songs. (Sonya Zhu)
West High students Chantel Abellana ’27, Riley Miller ’27, Josie Nabhan-Warren ’27 and Isun Shim ’27 dance the night away at prom May 2. This year, the party was held at The Highlander Hotel in Iowa City before the party after prom.

At The Highlander Hotel, students dance the night away together. West High celebrated prom with theme “The Red Carpet” on May 2.

West High students Chantel Abellana ’27, Riley Miller ’27, Josie Nabhan-Warren ’27 and Isun Shim ’27 dance the night away at prom May 2. This year, the party was held at The Highlander Hotel in Iowa City before the party after prom. (Sonya Zhu)

Prom attendees line up for a photo. West High held prom on May 2 at Iowa City’s The Highlander Hotel.

(Sonya Zhu)

Colin Wehrle ’27 and Grace Walker ’26 party at prom. Students dressed their best for the occasion May 2.

(Sonya Zhu)

In suits and dresses, prom-goers mingle and chat at prom May 2. West High students attended the party at The Highlander Hotel in Iowa City.

(Sonya Zhu)

At prom, students pose together. West’s prom was May 2 at The Highlander Hotel in Iowa City.

(Sonya Zhu)
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About the contributor
Sonya Zhu
Sonya Zhu, Print Photo Editor
Sonya Zhu is a sophomore, and this is her first year on staff. She’s a photographer and writer on the West Side Story staff this year. In her free time, she likes to play cello and read.
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