Sparkling dresses, fancy suits, and water slides?
The 2026 Rancho Cucamonga High School Prom’s theme was revealed to be A Night in Paris – The Midnight Mission during Prom Expo on Thursday, March 5. The dance will be held on Saturday, April 18 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
“We wanted to get away from our usual Disney theme and focus on different vibes and aspects,” ASB President, senior Joshua Haynes said.
With the luxurious theme, students faced a change in location for the dance, which has sparked uncertainty.
The prom venue was changed from being held at Coto de Caza Country Club to Wild Rivers Waterpark due to “scheduling conflicts,” according to an Instagram post on the ASB page.
“I understand that the venue needed to be changed, but I think that it’s unreasonable to keep the price at what it is for the place it’s at,” junior Ashima Kuriakose said.
RCHS Principal Mr. Azande Aikens addressed the venue change and sent an email informing students and families about the change of facility on the evening of Sunday, March 15.
Ticket prices for prom before the venue change were $140 without an ASB card, and continued to stay the same price even after the change. Students shared negative feedback online and around the school. However, the email also stated that refunds were available to those who no longer wished to attend the event.
The following day, students received another email stating that reduced ticket price opportunities were now offered to the students who had purchased the Senior Events Package.
“I want to clarify that the change in venue was an administrative decision that had to be made after a scheduling conflict was discovered while working with our event company,” Aikens said. “Our ASB students dedicate a tremendous amount of time helping plan and support school events, and this change was outside of their control.”
Haynes further explained the issue regarding the venue, saying that ASB still encourages people to attend the dance.
“We understand that students may have concerns with the venue change, but we are still encouraging everyone to go because it will be a lot of fun,” Haynes said. “We think everyone should be open-minded and not miss their chance to go to prom.”
While some students are still attending this year’s prom, some students have decided to get refunds because of the sudden changes.
“I don’t think that the quality of this year’s prom meets the standards that last year’s [prom] set,” senior Scarlet Shampine said.
Other students and staff have a more positive outlook on the change of location for the event, and are choosing to still attend the event with friends.
“You only get to be a high schooler once, and you should take advantage of and embrace every moment you have to be with your friends. Prom is one of those once-in-a-lifetime high school experiences,” English teacher Mr. Gary Favero said.
Senior Kristina Kravchuk is also attending this year’s prom, and had a similar view on attending prom.
“I was initially upset when the venue was changed, but I’m still really excited since it’s still senior prom,” Kravchuck said.
Although many RCHS students expressed disappointment with the change in venue, others still hold on to a more positive perspective on the event as a whole.
“It’s the pictures you take with your family, and your friends, and where you go to take the nice pictures. Going to prom has nothing to do with the venue, though I totally understand the disappointment from kids because of the venue changes,” Favero said.
