Science teacher Evan Vant Hul gave the opening prayer and served as emcee. His prayer asked that students enjoy the night in a way that reflects their Christian faith and values while creating lasting memories.

He welcomed parents, guests and friends and said the event was a chance to celebrate students and their high school friendships.

“It’s a night to make wonderful memories as we all enjoy our seniors, juniors and treasured friendships that have blossomed through high school years,” he said.

Students in formal gowns, suits and tuxedos crossed the stage as they were introduced to family and friends. Vant Hul announced senior and junior prom couples during the Grand March.

MVL students (from left) Andrew Enter, Reed Bohlke, Blake Sexton, Philip Lukasek, Emman Edwards, and Trace Gundersen pose in their formal attire at Turner Hall for the 2026 "Dancing Under the Stars" prom. The group was among the many juniors and seniors who took part in the Grand March on Saturday, April 25. (Photo by Amy Zents)

Dancing ran from 8 to 11 p.m. with music by DJ John Thorpe. Junior class advisors Hailey Santos, Miranda Maasz and Micah Degner coordinated the event.

Santos said turnout was strong.

“I think the kids are really having a great time,” she said. “We’ve got a really large turnout this year with a pretty big junior class, and it’s exciting to see them have a great night. They’ve got a great attitude. They look stunning.”

Degner said the evening went smoothly.

“I’m enjoying it so far. It’s pretty nice,” Junior Titus Kohls said. “I just love dancing.”

Senior Paige Berg (left) and her teammate Liz Halvorson display their state speech championship medals after arriving at the 2026 MVL Prom. These two seniors arrived late to the "Dancing Under the Stars" event at Turner Hall after competing in the final rounds of the state tournament on Saturday. (Photo by Amy Zents)

Some seniors missed the start of the Grand March while competing in the final round of the state speech tournament. Paige Berg, a senior on the speech team, arrived later.

“It’s really fun,” Berg said. “We got here super late. We missed grand march because we were competing in our final round. But it’s OK, because we knew going into the season that if we made it to state, we would miss part of prom. I think it’s made prom more fun. It’s like a party.”

Next year, MVL’s prom is scheduled for April 17, 2027. Santos said announcing the date early is a tradition.

“These kids start planning it the second this one ends,” she said.

For many seniors, prom was one of the final major events before graduation. Students discussed plans after high school, including attending South Dakota State University and the University of Wisconsin.

MVL Seniors Kara Hinrichsen and Eden Grubbs smile as they wait for the 2026 MVL Prom “Dancing Under the Stars” to begin at Turner Hall in New Ulm on Saturday. Hinrichsen was escorted by Ethan Schauland, and Grubbs was escorted by Jacksen Gerdts. (Photo by Amy Zents)

Katelyn Flateau and her escort, Henry Manthe don sunglasses for a photo during the 2026 MVL Prom at Turner Hall. Hinrichsen and Schauland were the first couple to be introduced during the Grand March on Saturday, April 25. (Photo by Amy Zents)

A group of MVL girls in shimmering formal gowns gather in a close circle on the dance floor during the 2026 "Dancing Under the Stars" prom at Turner Hall. The evening, coordinated by the junior class advisors, focused on celebrating high school friendships and creating lasting memories. (Photo by Amy Zents)