Ghena and Basma Lilo (11), twin sisters, lead the planning of the 2026 year’s prom, creating the magical, unforgettable moment for many of our upperclassmen. This year’s prom theme was inspired by “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, which was later turned into an iconic movie.

After picking the theme, the sisters planned cohesively to make sure prom would run smoothly and be memorable for our students.

“[There was] a red carpet when you walk in,” Basma Lilo said. “The vibe, pearls, lights, the long dresses- it’s kind of romantic. We were like, ‘This is perfect for prom.’”

The theme of this year’s prom required many things; special decorations like champagne towers, mood lighting to set the theme, and, as always, a DJ that created the vibe of prom. The twins help set the entire event into place to help ensure the exciting times at prom. Mrs. Bergeron is a key helper to Ghena and Basma in the prom organization. She oversees all interactions with the advisors and helps reach out to vendors.

“I am their go-to contact when it comes to communicating with adults,” Bergeron said. “When it comes to signing contracts, talking to vendors, or paying the bills, that’s where I come in. It’s really their planning and their ideas that I try to help bring to light.” 

As the planning process went by, Mrs. Bergeron, Basma, and Ghena all partnered to create a vision of what the prom was going to feel and look like.

“There was a whole planning process,” Ghena Lilo said. “We first looked at contacting vendors, and once we contacted them, we looked over things that we wanted to include.”

In the journey of planning prom, Ghena and Basma interacted extensively with each other. Each had their own part that they contributed to the planning, and they both worked cooperatively to create the magic of our Grandview prom.

“I think they do a good job communicating, working with adults, and speaking to our vendors, they’re respectful and speaking on their level,” Mrs. Bergeron said. “I think they represent Grandview really well.”

As twins, Basma and Ghena are able to maintain communication about the project and easily exchange ideas.

“Since she’s my sister, we talk about it at home, during class, whenever we have a chance. Sometimes if I’m thinking of new ideas, I text her right away,” Basma Lilo said. 

The twins went through a long process of brainstorming to determine the best way to appeal to the student demand and leadership ability.

“We think about each idea individually and think, ‘Okay, so these are some of the pros and cons’ and we compare them and see, ‘if we do this idea, would it be efficient and good for the prom, or would the other one work?’ we just look at them side by side and just compare,” G. Lilo said.

As Ghena and Basma arranged the details of prom, they also grew as people, developing skills and growing as people in leadership. By tackling this project together, they were able to bond with one another.

“I think being sisters is great because they’re always working together and they’re always together,” said Bergeron. “Seeing them mature and develop a lot of responsibility and skills has been kind of cool to see this year.”

While planning prom together, they collaborated to make many fun things for the Grandview students attending prom. 

“There’s gonna be a couple of activities like photo booths, games, the dance floor, drinks, and all that,” Ghena Lilo said.

The sisters used their own time to plan for prom by going to the prom venue in the morning of prom. They decorate the site, along with leadership students willing to come help, so that at night, the students coming can have a fantastic evening. 

“I think this prom will be wonderful. I’m really excited to see how it comes out all together,” Basma Lilo said. “I just hope it turns out well, and people like the event and have fun.”

(see Derek Yoon’s full photo gallery here)