Senior year has proven to be expensive. With graduation, prom, scholarship ceremonies, and grad parties fast approaching, the expenses for each event have accumulated to create an unreasonable budget for many attendees. As the month of June is filled with all sorts of events, some of which people were only notified of a week in advance, the race to order all the necessary outfits and items becomes intense. What should be a month of celebration has quickly become a month of stress for many graduating seniors.

Prom has the highest prices of dresses, with the average dress price typically ranging from $100 to $400, depending on the quality of the dress, if it is custom-made, and if it is unique. Cassandra Garay (12) stated, “I paid $140 for my prom dress.” The cost of dinner, prom tickets, heels, and other expenses can make the average cost for one night $500. This is just one major portion of the price of senior year.

There are multiple events requiring nice outfits for senior year, including the Gig Harbor Tides Foundation awards ceremony, graduation ceremony, and family and friends graduation events. Mya Dorsey (12) said, “I’ve had to buy three dresses for senior year.” Some scholarship events, such as the Student of Distinction dinner event, cost recipients money to attend, therefore cancel out a portion of the scholarship reward. Overall, budding expenses may make the price of certain events not even worth attending.

Grad parties can quickly become the most expensive of the things that are also a popular part of senior year. Although not required, it’s a nice way to get together with family and friends and celebrate the end of one’s high school career. Courtney Myers (12) stated, “I’m having my graduation party with a friend.” Having a graduation party with a friend is one way to simplify a busy month, yet the price of the party can quickly get expensive. If people don’t have a house to do it at, they will have to rent out an event area, which can quickly increase the price. As catering, silverware, and decorations all begin to add up, the price of the event can quickly cancel out gifts given to graduating students.

Overall, the price of senior year is just one stressful part of a stressful year. Although it will surely be an enjoyable end to the year, paying for everything now adds one overwhelming aspect to graduating. Balancing these expenses and planning ahead helps mitigate anxiety and make for an exciting end to the year!