Parents Call Lights, Camera, Action for Port Jefferson Senior Prom

Students at Monday night's Earl L. Vandermeulen High School prom were treated to a movie-themed affair with elaborate sets and Oscar-worthy details.

Parents of seniors – and even some who didn't have kids graduating this year – came together at the end of September to choose a prom theme and begin to design a memorable experience for the students.

"When you walk through here, I don't think you're going to see something like this for the rest of your life," said John Poulianos, a local parent who helped out with the construction.

The tradition has been ongoing since 1958, and is held at the high school because "we think about safety," Poulianos said.

Parents worked from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday to assemble all the pieces, sets, lighting, and other details. Between 60 and 80 people worked together each day. The gym was divided into "theaters" featuring different genres of films – action, romance, horror, comedy and more. Even the bathrooms featured a movie theme – "Legally Blonde" for the girls, and sports flicks for the guys.

"I'd call it a community gift to the seniors," Poulianos said. "Other schools do this, but I really don't think anybody does it to this extent."

The community was invited to a preview of the event Monday; check out these photos and email ChristineS@Patch.com if you've got any to share.