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Crowning moment as Braden River High's prom returns in style

Hyatt Regency in Sarasota hosts Braden River High's 2022 prom.


  • By Liz Ramos
  • | 7:00 a.m. April 15, 2022
  • East County
  • Schools
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David Kochaniec, a Braden River High School senior, held onto senior Marisa Cantarella's and senior Kianna Arrazola's hands as he anxiously waited to see if he would be announced as prom king.

When Kochaniec heard his name called, he shouted, threw his hands in the air and jumped in excitement.  

He kept cheering as the sash and crown were put on him. 

"It's amazing," Kochaniec said about being named prom king.

After senior Jacsyn Hockenbury was named prom queen at Braden River High School's prom April 14 at the Hyatt Regency in Sarasota, dozens of juniors and seniors started chanting her name in celebration. 

Juniors and seniors danced the night away, making the most of one of their last big events before the end of the school year. 

"It's kind of crazy," said senior Taylor Evans. "I don't think I realized it was my senior year until all these events like prom started happening. I mean, we graduate in a month."

Senior Ashauntay Floyd said she's been dreaming of prom for years and couldn't believe it was finally here. 

"I'm blessed to have a prom this year so I can go all out and have fun with friends," Floyd said. 

Senior David Kochaniec (center) holds onto the hands of Marisa Cantarella and Kianna Arrazola as he is named prom king.
Senior David Kochaniec (center) holds onto the hands of Marisa Cantarella and Kianna Arrazola as he is named prom king.
Senior Carmella Chieppo and juniors Laci McDonald and Giana Papa hit the dance floor.
Senior Carmella Chieppo and juniors Laci McDonald and Giana Papa hit the dance floor.
Juniors Jathon Pasick-Gerdeman, Nickolas Mapps and Austin Murch are ready to have fun.
Juniors Jathon Pasick-Gerdeman, Nickolas Mapps and Austin Murch are ready to have fun.
Seniors Alexis Dellapenna and Karson Redmon are looking sharp for their prom.
Seniors Alexis Dellapenna and Karson Redmon are looking sharp for their prom.
Seniors Taylor Evans and Lauralee Carter pause for a photo at the prom.
Seniors Taylor Evans and Lauralee Carter pause for a photo at the prom.
Senior Ashauntay Floyd says
Senior Ashauntay Floyd says "I'm blessed to have a prom this year so I can go all out and have fun with friends."
Juniors Bryce Elder and Mason Johnson, senior Connor Rice and juniors Colin Barrett and Will King arrive in style.
Juniors Bryce Elder and Mason Johnson, senior Connor Rice and juniors Colin Barrett and Will King arrive in style.
Senior Hannah King and junior Cameron Boyer take a break from the dance floor.
Senior Hannah King and junior Cameron Boyer take a break from the dance floor.
Sophomore Mario Cruz and junior Kaitlyn Perez go all out with the masquerade theme.
Sophomore Mario Cruz and junior Kaitlyn Perez go all out with the masquerade theme. "Masquerade is one of my favorite themes in general, so I had to come," Perez says.
Seniors Michelle Cuervas and Colin Smith dance to the
Seniors Michelle Cuervas and Colin Smith dance to the "Cha Cha Slide."
Seniors Cecilia Palomo, Jennifer Coze and Nancy Hernandez couldn't wait for the prom to return.
Seniors Cecilia Palomo, Jennifer Coze and Nancy Hernandez couldn't wait for the prom to return.
Juniors Alison Swarz, Robert Zabriskie and Danielle Bernate pose for a prom photo.
Juniors Alison Swarz, Robert Zabriskie and Danielle Bernate pose for a prom photo.
Senior Jessica Kasper attended the prom with her date, senior Alex Lubbs. Lubbs says prom is a big deal because it's a
Senior Jessica Kasper attended the prom with her date, senior Alex Lubbs. Lubbs says prom is a big deal because it's a "final hurrah" for their senior year.
Seniors Nicholas Tejada and Cemia Gough hit the dance floor.
Seniors Nicholas Tejada and Cemia Gough hit the dance floor.
Seniors Kaden Castano, Lori Smalley, Katherine Thomas and Anderson Lugo pose for a prom photo.
Seniors Kaden Castano, Lori Smalley, Katherine Thomas and Anderson Lugo pose for a prom photo.
Senior David Kochaniec celebrates being named prom king.
Senior David Kochaniec celebrates being named prom king.
Students chant senior Jacsyn Hockenbury's name after she is announced as prom queen.
Students chant senior Jacsyn Hockenbury's name after she is announced as prom queen.
Senior David Kochaniec hugs senior Jacsyn Hockenbury after they are named prom king and queen.
Senior David Kochaniec hugs senior Jacsyn Hockenbury after they are named prom king and queen.
Seniors Jacsyn Hockenbury and David Kochaniec celebrate being named prom queen and king.
Seniors Jacsyn Hockenbury and David Kochaniec celebrate being named prom queen and king.

 

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