On April 11th, Four Corners Upper School students opened the ballroom doors to their 2026 Prom at Disney’s Coronado Springs.
This year’s prom theme was Rio Carnival, based after the Brazilian Celebration. Many interpreted this theme through glittering fabrics and bright colors, while art teacher and chaperone Kerri Murphy donned a feathered emerald headpiece.
“I went with green because I was trying to incorporate the bright colors and then I incorporated the feathers as a headdress for extra fun,” Murphy said.
Prom was held in the Disney’s Coronado Spring’s indoor Fiesta ballroom. At the ballroom’s entrance, a voting table allowed attendees to anonymously vote for prom king and queen.
“I thought the venue was pretty nice, but I think I preferred last year’s a little better with it being outside. Nonetheless it was still put together very well,” senior Ethan Garcia said.
Students and teachers alike danced to a variety of songs played at the DJ’s booth, including classics such as “Last Friday Night” by Katy Perry, and Spanish songs like “Suavemente Besame” by Elvis Crespo.
“I did like the music played during the night on the dance floor; I personally had put a song on the playlist we made in Student Council and that wasn’t played, which I felt disappointed a bit, but they made it up with how good the playlist was this year compared to last year’s prom,” senior Gustavo Ferrer said.
An hour into the event, staff members wheeled out buffet tables full of pastas, breads, desserts and more, with an ice cream cart to top everything off.
“The food was alright. I enjoyed the salad and pasta. I really appreciate ms. Marino taking the time to get us a dessert bar. Everything was so yummy! Especially the ice cream,” senior Aniyah Martin said.
At 9:30pm, Senior Kylie Fuller ascended the DJ’s booth to deliver the announcement of the prom king and queen out of the people on the existing prom court. Candidates, Aniyah Martin and Garcia were elected as prom king and queen.
“I wasn’t really shocked by the prom king and queen, since I knew Ethan and Aniyah were one of the most popular, if not the most popular runners in the prom court, but I was really happy for them, especially Ethan, since I am good friends with him,” Ferrer said.
When the announcement was made, Martin leaped in joy and embraced Garcia, and they were both crowned by Mrs. Marino.
“I was genuinely so happy when I got elected for prom queen. I was having a great night and becoming prom queen was really the cherry on top for me. Campaigning with Ethan and winning was really a big win for us as friends. I can’t wait to tell my kiddos,” Martin said.
With this event we celebrate the nearing graduation of the upperclassmen and undoubtedly, this year’s Rio Carnaval prom was one to remember!
“Being prom king to me means being a fun person that is easy to get along with. It’s a cool title, but at the end of the day that’s all it is!… Prom is what you make it so make sure to surround yourself with good company and have a great time!” Garcia said.
