When students from the class of 2024 arrived at the Sheraton Universal Hotel for prom, they were greeted by a beautifully lit venue with elegant centerpieces and immersive entertainment.

The glowing chandeliers and glimmering photo booth backdrops weren’t just decoration. They were proof of months of work by the Junior and Senior Boards.

As Junior Board volunteers welcomed each member of the graduating class, checking their tickets upon entry, the event served as a glimpse into their responsibility to ensure that next year’s prom met and exceeded their peers’ expectations.

For Senior Board President Sudha Nandi, making prom unforgettable isn’t just a hope. It’s a mission.

Students can choose from more than 50 clubs and leadership programs, including Senior Board and ASB, that offer hands-on roles on campus.

Elections are held every year to select the officers who will take on the challenge of fundraising the most money possible.

This year’s senior board features seven positions, including president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, social media manager and two community outreach officers, each fulfilling a much needed role that ensures senior events are successful.

Nandi is not new to leadership roles, having been Junior Board Vice President the previous year, and she believes that stepping up her senior year has helped her understand the dynamics of planning and fundraising.

“I previously served as vice president of the Junior Board and with that experience, alongside other leadership commitments such as ASB, I wanted this position to further my involvement with the school and my Class of 2025 in particular,” Nandi said.

With this title, Nandi must ensure that she is planning events as well as keeping her board and peers well informed.

“We organize events, hold fundraisers and ensure information is consistently shared with seniors,” she said.

Nandi is backed by a board of experienced leaders, including the current Vice President Arya Shah.

“I am currently the vice president but was the treasurer of the sophomore and junior board,” Shah said.

“I honestly love to help plan events that all the seniors can participate in,” she said. “Being part of ASB in middle and high school ensured that I would enjoy this position and work hard so that all seniors could enjoy their last year.”

“I think a lot of seniors go to the events hosted by the board for the chance to hang out with their friends,” senior Joshua Choondakaran said. “I appreciate them for organizing these events.”

Reflecting on her two year experience, Shah recalls her biggest accomplishments.

“I really enjoyed working towards ensuring the success of all senior events and making sure they are full of spirit and exciting for the graduating seniors,” she said.

Shah, Nandi and Secretary Alina Mirzoeva all had one goal in mind for prom — to choose the perfect venue.

Mirzoeva, who held the bulk of the responsibility, went from not being involved in the board as a freshman to stepping up as secretary her sophomore year. Now, she plays a key role in the success of senior events.

“During my sophomore year, I took on the position of secretary and have kept the position since,” she said. “I have really experienced what it is to be a leader, to adapt and adjust in a setting where you are responsible for administrative work, over 550 students and constant communication and commitment.”

Since taking on the role, Mirzoeva learned that she not only has to help plan fundraisers, but also plan ahead and communicate with vendors about potential locations for prom.

“This year’s prom will be at the Castaways Restaurant in Burbank,” Mirzoeva said. “I have been in contact with the venue for the past year and have also contacted a vendor that will be providing a caricature service.”

Treasurer Dhara Patel also plays an essential role in Senior Board management by keeping track of the money made during fundraisers and making sure that deposits are transacted by their deadline.

“I was in ASB last year, which helped me realize I could handle the workload that came with being a senior board officer,” Patel said. “To balance my academic responsibilities with my senior board duties, I prioritize time management. I complete most of my treasurer tasks during school hours, allowing me to focus on my coursework at home.”

Patel knows that the Class of 2025 is depending on the officers’ efforts in staying organized so that the events are successful, which helps motivate her when the workload is heavy.

This article originally appeared in the Summer 2025 print edition.