Small town girl prepares for prom

My high school prom is only a few weeks away, and for any girl, there is much to be done. I had to find the perfect dress, make a hair appointment, set dinner reservations, work on my beach babe tan, and the list goes on.

Some senior girls have attended prom before, so the anticipation is not as great as it was the first time. For me, the anticipation is tremendous. I attend Delta High School, which is a small school about 20 minutes south of Cape Girardeau.

At my school, we don't have a prom. Instead, we have what's called a Sweetheart Dance. We still get dressed up for the dance, but it's not nearly as formal as prom. In fact, the dance is pretty laid back. Students show up wearing khakis and a nice shirt, but there's never any tuxedoes or fancy dresses. Delta students like the dance, though, because it's a chance for everyone to get together, and there's not as much stress or emphasis in getting dressed up.

This year, I'm going to Jackson High School's prom with my boyfriend, Austin Blankenship, who goes to school in Jackson.

Like most girls, for the past few months I've been in search of the perfect prom dress. I've been everywhere -- the Andrew Jackson, Precious Memories, David's Bridal, House of Brides, Macy's, J.C. Penney's and even some bridal shops in Sikeston, Mo.

After going to all these places, I still had not found the perfect prom dress. I had found tons of dresses I liked, but not the "one." I wanted everything to be perfect since I had never been to prom before.

Finally, I found my perfect dress last week at Di Jewell Fine Apparel in Benton, Mo. The dress is hot pink with a corset top and some sequins splashed across it. I was so relieved to have found my prom dress.

Now with the most difficult part of prom preparation complete, I have to wait until the actual night of prom -- May 5.

I expect prom night will be exquisite. I think most girls are excited about getting dressed up for the occasion, having someone take them out to eat and being treated like a princess for one night.

When the night of prom actually gets here, I expect to dance the night away. Afterward, my date and I will go out with some of our friends. If anything, we'll probably go bowling after the prom.

I'm sure that prom will be a great night, but I hope I'm not setting my expectations too high. I want to make this prom the best -- since it will be my one and only prom to attend.

Amanda Obermann is a senior at Delta High School. She plans to attend college and major in journalism.