by Sina Jensen, Director of Public Affairs, Oak Hills Stake
AUSTIN, Texas — “Once Upon a Time” was the theme of this year’s youth formal dance for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Austin metropolitan area. Teens between the ages of 16 and 18 years old gathered for their church prom night on April 13, 2019, with 342 youth in attendance.
The church building located at 5201 Convict Hill Road, part of the Austin Oak Hills Stake, hosted the event. Congregations from several geographical areas in and around Austin contributed to the planning and execution of the annual social activity, including the Austin Stake, Cedar Park Stake, Killeen Stake, Kyle Stake, Round Rock Stake, Round Rock East Stake and Waco Stake.
Decorations, door prizes, photos and food were contributed with the goal to create a “warm, welcoming and uplifting” environment to allow youth to dance and socialize together.
The church building underwent a transformation to create a “magical fairytale oasis, complete with a powder room for the girls to touch up their hair and make-up,” according one of the chaperones.
Dana Kent, who volunteers as the Young Women President in the Austin Oak Hills Stake said, “The building looked special, the youth looked special and the atmosphere was special, definitely distinguishable from the typical dance.”
“Most were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but some were not,” Kent added. “Regardless of religion, I feel confident in saying that the youth who attended, enjoyed a night full of fun associating with others who share their high standards,” she said.