LBHS students celebrate the big night

Photos by Penny Frondelli/Herald

Bridget Caslowitz placed a boutonniere on Max Willard’s lapel at a pre-prom gathering at Jack Kaplan’s house.

Penny Frondelli/Herald

Jack Kaplan hosted the pre-prom party.

Penny Frondelli/Herald

Matt Kranitx, Jesse Bochner, Nick Nigro, and Matt Varian caught up before the event.

Penny Frondelli/Herald

Jack Meyers and Julia Berkowitz were among the prom-goers.

Penny Frondelli/Herald

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It was a full house at the Kaplan residence in Lido Beach on June 25, where friends and family joined Long Beach High School seniors for a pre-prom gathering before the celebration at Chateau Briand in Carle Place.

More than 200 people turned out to the Kaplans’ house, where the prom-goers lined up for photos and parents and grandparents snapped hundreds of pictures.

“Going into it I was stressed, but having everyone there was amazing,” said Jack Kaplan, a graduating high school senior. “I would love to do it again. It was emotional for the parents to see their children all grown up and begin the next chapter in their lives. It was also emotional for us. We waited four years for this day. It’s very bitter-sweet.”

Afterwards, the students were off to celebrate prom.

“It was amazing and beautiful,” Jack said of the event. “The food was great as well as the staff. They did a really good job hosting our prom.”

Jack will attend the University of Arizona in the fall, where he will pursue a degree in finance and accounting. Although he may be moving away from his friends, he said that he is looking forward to what lies ahead.

“I’m going to miss Long Beach,” he said, “but I am excited to start the next chapter in my life.”