Linden High School Class of 2026 Brings Prom Dreams to Life
Grand Marquis celebration delivers glamour, energy, and unforgettable memories for Linden seniors
LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NJ -- The lights shimmered. Cameras flashed. Limousines rolled up one after another as Linden High School seniors stepped onto the red carpet in dazzling gowns, sharp tuxedos, and sparkling heels for a night they had spent four years dreaming about.
On Thursday night, May 21, the Grand Marquis in Old Bridge transformed into the center of celebration as the Linden High School Class of 2026 brought prom to life in spectacular fashion.
The fashion was stellar. Students arrived dressed to impress, turning heads with elegant dresses, custom suits, stylish sneakers, corsages, and coordinated colors that reflected both personality and flair. Friends gathered for group photos beneath glowing chandeliers while families lined entrances capturing emotional pre-prom moments before the celebration officially began.
Inside the ballroom, the energy never slowed.
With DJ A-Plus driving the soundtrack for the evening, students packed the dance floor from the opening song, singing along to favorites, dancing with classmates, and creating the kind of memories that define senior year. Everywhere you looked, students were laughing, embracing, snapping selfies, and soaking in a milestone moment years in the making.
For one evening, deadlines, exams, and graduation stress faded into the background. What remained was joy, friendship, and the unmistakable excitement of a class celebrating how far it had come together.
One of the highlights of the evening came when seniors Adrian Szurgot and Anaise Matos were crowned Prom King and Queen, drawing cheers and applause from classmates as the celebration reached another unforgettable moment. Their crowning added to the excitement and emotion of a night filled with laughter, music, friendship, and lasting memories for the Class of 2026.
And behind every dazzling detail was a story of hard work.
SEE LPS MEDIA GALLERY: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1663595432122732&set=pcb.1663597828789159
SEE NJ.COM GALLERY: https://www.nj.com/prom/2026/05/linden-high-school-prom-2026-92-photos.html
Long before students arrived at the Grand Marquis in tuxedos and gowns, the Class of 2026 had spent years raising money through movie nights, bake sales, a sophomore dance, and countless student-led fundraising efforts designed to turn a vision into reality.
That vision finally unfolded beneath the ballroom lights.
The venue itself reflected the scale and excitement of the occasion. Elegant balloon arches designed by Stephanie Chambers welcomed guests into the ballroom, while striking centerpieces created by Kiliopi Vitoroulis added sophistication and flair to every table. Meanwhile, the photo booth crew captured candid smiles, goofy poses, and unforgettable snapshots students will carry with them long after graduation.
The evening also highlighted the leadership and commitment that helped make Prom 2026 possible.
Class advisors Erin Batz and Joseph Russo worked alongside student leaders throughout the multi-year planning process, helping guide fundraising efforts, organization, and preparation. Leading the way for the senior class were President Anaise Matos, Vice President Natasha Lopez, Secretary Hannah Valverde, and Treasurer Anthony Palmucci.
Behind the scenes, ticket operations and event coordination were managed by Lakhia Carter-Blocker, James Orth, and Carla Silva, whose efforts helped ensure the night unfolded seamlessly.
The celebration drew strong support from district and community leaders, including Linden Mayor Derek Armstead; Danie Orelien, director of the Multilingual Department; Board of Education President Malaysia Thomas; Vice President Marlene Berghammer; board members Brianna Armstead, Lymari Cintron, Rempee Kalia, and Antoinette Pino; along with Superintendent Dr. Atiya Y. Perkins and Principal Charles Koonce. Chaperones, security personnel, and staff members also played an important role in helping create a safe, organized, and memorable evening for students.