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Katy high school students prepare for Sadie Hawkins, proms, graduations, presentations, banquets and other social events

It's spring and that means the teen social scene is officially kicking into high gear. The second half of the school year is filled with social opportunities for teens including Sadie Hawkins dances, Senior Prom, sports banquets, graduations, and so much more.

SADIE HAWKINS

Girls Choice
The first major social event in the spring at the high schools is the annual Sadie Hawkins Dance. For Sadie Hawkins, or "Sadie" as it is referred to by the teens, the roles are reversed and the girls ask the boys out.

How to Ask
A well-known tradition at many Katy schools is for girls to thinks of some interesting and original way to invite the boys to the dance. Some clever girls have made up crossword puzzles with clues, sent giant chocolate chip cookies with 'Sadie?' It's not uncommon for local pizzerias to get pizza orders this time of year with special requests for "Sadie?" to be spelled out in pepperoni or olives.

What to Wear
Since roles are reversed and the girls do the asking, the girls also pick up the tab for this casual event. The attire for Sadie is matching outfits, whether it is dressed as baseball players, matching t-shirts with funny sayings or caricatures like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or Yogi Bear or matching Hawaiian shirts. Usually the couple goes together to shop for the matching outfit. Many Katy Schools are drawing the line when it comes to wacky costumes thanks to some outlandish attire.

Sadie tip!
Girls should ask their prospective Sadie date early! Unlike boys who often wait 'til the last minute,
girls seem to ask weeks in advance so procrastinators beware.

THE PERFECT PROM

Bring Your Wallet
Prom is the biggest event of the year and Katy teens are known for doing it up in style! You'll know its prom season when you start seeing Excursion limos driving around through your usually-quiet subdivision. If you're talking expense, prom generally costs much more than any other Katy school dance. Even though boys traditionally pick up the tab, girls can also spend hundreds of dollars for prom.

Picking up the Tab
The senior girls interviewed said they expect to spend between $300-$700 on
dresses, shoes accessories, hair, makeup, nails and tanning. Katy boys, on the
Megan gets a corsage from her date, Casey.

How to Ask
Asking someone to the prom has got to be a memorable event and Katy teens are always thinking outside the box. Some teens create scavenger hunts, leaving clues around the city. Others write a large message on a car window or put a giant sign in the yard. Girls may receive a stuffed animal with a sweet note and a flower. Others boys have left sidewalk chalk notes on driveways.

What to Wear to Prom
Unlike Sadie, prom is formal and full out glam. A great tip is to shop off-season for gowns and accessories. "Some of the best deals can be found off season at Windsor and Foleys," says Taylor High School mom Debbie Sellers. Often you can purchase a beautiful dress half price if you shop early enough. Formal Gallery on Highway 6 is also a great place for prom gowns; they have a large selection of gowns starting at around $150 and up. Katy senior girls also like to shop at bridal stores, Weddings by Debbie, and Eesh on Highway 6.

After Prom Parties
After parties are usually planned several weeks in advance and usually involve large groups of teens who foot the bill together. Katy has a wonderful Project Graduation program that provides after prom entertainment to keep kids safe. Contact your local high school for Project Graduation information. Cinco senior Jordan Fox says the best after party is to "watch a movie or sit in a hot tub at someone's house after the dance." Fox says the after parties are usually more fun than the dances. He recommends keeping your group small enough to enjoy each other's company. "Fourteen or 16 people is a great size." Other popular after parties are laser tag and swimming parties. "Going in a group is always fun for everyone" says Taylor parent Nancy Smith. "The most important thing is that everyone arrive safely." Limousine services can offer safe and affordable transportation for these special events. While a limo may seem extravagant at first thought, once the cost is split between a number of couples it can be quite reasonable.

Taking Pictures
Capturing the couple or group is of the utmost importance and there are many great locations in Katy for photo opportunities. "The Great Southwest Equestrian Center provides a great backdrop, as does the lake and gazebo at Windsor Park Lakes, and the Lake at Cinco Ranch," says Cinco senior Jordan Fox. "If you are having dinner in Houston, the beautiful Transco Water Wall makes a memorable photo."

Here are a few more local spots:
• Beach Club at Cinco Ranch
• Mary Jo Peckham Park
• Grand Lakes Pavilion
• Willow Fork Country Club

Photo Tip!
"Hire your own photographer to come and take professional photos while parents are gathered to take theirs," recommends Rebecca Fox, mom of Cinco senior Jordan Fox. "Then the kids don't have to stand in the long lines and miss the dance. They can get the photos they want with friends while they still look fresh."

The spring social scene is an exciting time for Katy teens. There are many options in the area for making the events something that will always be remembered!

PROM TIP!
Local spas in the area are booked months in advance so book your appointment early. Many hair and nail salons such as Bella Salon, La Beaute, Hair Zone, Fantastic Sams at Cinco Ranch, and Ulta offer prom packages, but call way ahead of time. other hand, will spend anywhere from $200-$500 on prom bids, tux rental, dinner, flowers and transportation.

PROM & SPECIAL OCCASION RESOURCES FOR KATY TEXAS

WHERE TO DINE
Here are some of the most popular restaurants among Katy Texas Teens venturing outside Katy.

The Americas
1800 Post Oak Blvd., Houston
713-961-1492

Aquarium Restaurant
410 Bagby St. Houston
713-223-3474

Benihana
9707 Westheimer, Houston,
713-789-4962

Cheesecake Factory
5015 Westheimer., Houston
713-840-0600

Denis' Seafood
12109 Westheimer Houston
281-497-1110

Fogo De Chao
8250 Westheimer, Houston,
713-978-6500

Maggianos Little Italy
2019 Post Oak Blvd., Houston
713-961-2700

Magic Island
2215 Southwest Fwy., Houston
713-526-2442

Taste of Texas
10501 Katy Fwy. Houston
713-932-6901

Katy's most popular dinner locations are Atami, Saltgrass Steakhouse, Babins, Outback, Steakhouse, Hasta La Pasta, and local country clubs. Teens who venture outside Katy enjoy these Houston favorites.

PROM DINING TIP!
Make reservations early! Before you make a reservation, ask the price range of
main courses so you are not surprised by the cost.

KATY HIGH SCHOOLS SADIE, PROMS & GRADUATION DATES
*Please contact your local school to confirm dates

Cinco Ranch High School
Sadie –March 4, 2006
Prom - April 29, 2006
Graduation - May 26, 2006

Katy High School
Sadie - March 4, 2006
Prom - April 29, 2006
Graduation - May 27, 2006

Mayde Creek High School
Sadie - February 4, 2006
Prom - April 22, 2006
Graduation - May 27, 2006

Morton Ranch High School
Sadie - February 11, 2006
Prom - N/A
Graduation - N/A

Seven Lakes High School
Sadie - February 11, 2006
Prom - N/A
Graduation - N/A

Taylor High School
Sadie - February 18, 2006
Prom - April 22, 2006
Graduation - May 27, 2006

Limousines Katy Texas

AWW Limousine, 281-220-9573
Katy Limousine & Town Car, 281-497-5466
Luxor Limousine & Transit Service, 281-493-5600
Onyx Limousine, 713-269-6969
Royal Limousine Service, 713-787-5466

Special Occasion Hairstyles

Bella Salon & Day Spa
22210 Highland Knolls
281-392-7676

Cinco Ranch Salon
2944 S. Mason Road
281-395-8282

Fantastic Sams @ Cinco Ranch
24210 Westheimer Pkwy.
281-395-3833

Geometrix Hair Nails
& Day Spa
946 S. Fry Road
281-492-8749

Hair Zone
1636 S. Mason Road
281-395-2422

Highland Salon & Spa
21720 Highland Knolls
281-578-0200

Ulta 3
455 S. Fry Road
281-646-8808

Uptown Hair Studio
829 Mason Road
281-398-9090

If you're planning a large party, wedding, Sweet 16, company function, gala, graduation or other special event, try these outstanding venues close to home.

Always & Forever
19416 Park Row #120 Houston, TX
281-492-9000
www.alwaysandforeverofkaty.com

Briscoe Manor
5801 FM 723 Richmond, TX 281-238-4700
www.briscoemanor.com

Omni Houston Hotel Westside
13210 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX
281-558-8338
www.omnihotels.com

Weston Lakes Country Club
32611 FM 1093 Fulshear, TX
281-346-1967
www.wlakes.com/events.htm

Willow Fork Country Club
21055 Westheimer Pkwy. Katy, TX
281-579-6262
www.willowforkclub.com

Bold denotes Katy Magazine advertisers. Thank you for your support.

Special Acknowledgements
Thank you to the following companies for participating in this story and photo shoot. Onyx Limousine Service at 713-269-6969 who donated use of the limousine used in the photo shoot. Men's Wearhouse at 1120 N. Fry Rd.281-578-7817 for donating tuxedos and fitting our Katy senior boys, and KD's Florist and Gifts at 5315-F Highway Blvd. 281-391-1132 for donating all the corsages and boutonnières. We also wish to thank Willow Fork Country Club for kindly letting us use their facility for this shoot.

Katy Magazine would also like to thank the following seniors for being our prom models. Andrea Alford, Major of the KHS Bengal Bridgade, recently accepted to A&M. Mallory Ferris, MCHS Cheerleader and Student Council President. Jordan Fox a member of the band and football team at CRHS. Amy Hufnagel, CRHS girls Varsity basketball and volleyball team. Andrew Le, top 10 in his class at THS; recently accepted to Harvard. Gerald Lang, MCHS Member of Student Council, football and track team. Alyssa Miller, honor student at CRHS; recently accepted to Oklahoma State University. Khai Tran, KHS football player, and Will Weidig, KHS baseball player.

Karen Jaggers is a freelance writer and mother of two Katy kids.

Submit your Katy news to editor@katymagazine.com.