“It was super surreal to know that I had achieved something most people never imagine to happen to them, like something out of a movie, like I was living out my teenage dream,” said Portage High School (PHS) Senior Jacob Aviles.
The moment Aviles is referencing is the moment he became the newest member of PHS prom royalty. Last weekend on May 7, PHS had their prom at the Valparaiso Exposition Center. During the middle of the prom, the prom princess, prince, king, and queen were announced. Aviles won prom king by an outstanding vote, and was so shocked and excited to receive the class of 2022 prom king title.
To Aviles, winning was a moment he had not expected, but the more he campaigned for prom king, he felt he really had a shot at winning. Out of all the campaign strategies he used, Aviles felt that his best and in turn most successful strategies were the stickers he made and having one on one conversations with people.
Besides winning prom king, Aviles enjoyed prom for all the cupcakes he received and the old friends he got to re-connect with on the dance floor. Since Aviles is considered prom royalty at PHS; he would recommend to any upcoming seniors or juniors for their next year campaigns to not let your own doubts leave you to think you cannot achieve prom royalty.
“Don't be hindered by the thought of you losing, be propelled by the thought of you winning. You never know if you don't try,” Aviles said.
Aside from the life long cherished moment he obtained at prom, Aviles believes the other best moment he had at PHS was his first winter formal dance. For him, this first high school dance made him feel like a real high school student; and winning prom king only made him feel that emotion more.
With only a handful of days left before the end of his high school education, Aviles is embracing his final days with pride.
“Do your absolute best. It’s not as hard as you would think,” he said.
Since graduation is in less than one month away for the class of 2022, Aviles is the most excited to hold his diploma in his hands and know that he made his mother proud.
Aviles is also really into fashion and is a major movie buff. To him, film is a major part of his life and one day hopes to be a film director or screenplay writer. To achieve this life goal, Aviles plans to attend Indiana University Northwest in the fall.
Additionally, Aviles is a very avid reader and loves reading for relaxation. Without the votes of all his supporters, Aviles would have not been prom king, and with all those supporters, which he is very thankful for.
“I greatly appreciate all who voted for me for prom king. You have no idea how much it means to me. Thank you.” Aviles said.