Published: May 08, 2008 08:51 pm         

‘Bright Lights, Big City’ comes to South Laurel

They arrived by Hummer, limousine, and even by bass boat before strutting across the bridge.

And after walking through the doors, the 450 students who attended South Laurel High School’s prom quickly went from small town London to the bright lights of the big city.

The South Laurel field house had been transformed into a big city nightclub, complete with a view of the skyline.

From the moment they stepped out of their preferred modes of transportation, some were still applying their finishing touches.

Juniors Sabrina Stephens and Sarah Napier, who had spent the day getting their hair and makeup done, received a last blast of “Big Sexy” hairspray from Sarah’s mom, Kim.

“We had a a big ole hen party at the house,” Kim Napier explained as she continued to spray.

The girls gave credit to their stylist.

“Erin Phillips is an amazing hairdresser,” Sarah Napier said.

It wasn’t just the girls who took the time to get their hair just right. Chris McQueen came in wearing his black tux, blue bandanna and a 6-inch spiked mohawk.

“It takes about 15 minutes to throw it up,” McQueen said.

Their wheels were as different as the dresses and tuxedoes.

Brittany Howard arrived riding in her dad’s bass boat, complete with the fish — two bass, just pulled from Laurel Lake.

“I saw someone do this at North Laurel’s prom last year,” Howard said. “I love to fish, so I decided I was going to do it, but I decided to add the fish.”

Howard’s bass boat was good enough to take home the prize for most unique arrival.

Other winners in the arrival contest included Morgan Brown and crew for the biggest arrival. They came via fire truck.

Becca Hale had the loudest arrival. She came in a race car.

Cody Quinn and crew won for flashiest, rolling in on a float.

Deanna Dodd won in the classic car category.

Once inside and away from the crowd of family and friends who came to see the students have their moment, the students could relax, socialize and show off their moves to the music, which included everything from classic rock ‘n roll to rap and pop.

However, the gate was crashed by one family member, who refused to let her prom goer go.

Nikita Hedrick, who spent the day getting ready with help from little Jaylyn Manuel, was bent down at the entrance telling Jaylyn it was time for her to go home.

After a final hug, Jaylyn was whisked home for a bath and bed.

“She helped me get ready,” Hedrick said. “She helped with my makeup.

“She loves Nikita to death, said Hazel Hedrick, Nikita’s mom, who took Jaylyn home.

The evening ended with the crowning of the prom king and queen.

Jennifer Lopez was selected as the queen, while Billy Jones was named king.

“It was a good evening,” South Laurel Principal Reginal Bishop said. “Everything went perfect.”