Congratulations to the five girls and three boys on this year’s prom court: Eleanor Lotkowski, Amity Lauzon, Journey Thomas, Akaiyah Lindsey and Amillie Almaraz; along with Aydan Gabriel, Gavin Stainer and Markus Robinson. All eight of these students represent the best of Merrillville High in academics, athletics, extracurriculars and more. Please take a minute to get to know them better.

Prom Queen Candidates

Eleanor Lotkowski

Q: What are you involved with at MHS?

A: “Right now, I’m involved in Academic Super Bowl and heavily involved in Yearbook. I’m one of the editors. I’m also an Impact Day facilitator. I recently joined the Big Brother Big Sister mentoring program. I’m the President of the Class of 2027’s National Honors Society and an honors and AP student.”

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: “I plan to become a flight attendant so I just have to attend a six-week training program at a camp that I have to apply and get accepted into. That is one of my dreams to do.”

Q: What does being on prom court mean to you?

A: “It means a lot. It means that I was recognized for my hard work throughout my high school career and that my peers as well as my teachers noticed all the work I’ve done. It’s really exciting and a great opportunity and a great thing to be a part of.”

Q: What are you looking forward to about prom?

A: “I’m looking forward mostly to getting ready and seeing everyone else’s outfits and being with my friends and just having a good night. I’m also looking forward to dinner afterwards. [My boyfriend and I] are going to Gamba’s Italian restaurant after prom.”

Amity Lauzon

Q: What are you involved with at MHS?

“I’m in cross country. I’m in track. I’m a Freshman Mentor, Impact Day facilitator, and a member of the National Honor Society, Spell Bowl and Quiz Bowl.”

What are your plans after graduation?

“After graduation, I want to go to college to study a field in health care. I’m not sure exactly what I want to do right now, but my main two are nursing and biology.”

What does being on prom court mean to you?

“Prom court to me is a good opportunity for me to step out of my normal social circle life. It’s a lot of talking to people and making those public relations that you don’t normally get to make, because when you’re campaigning you are talking to people. The whole entirely of campaigning is to get more socially involved.”

What are you looking forward to about prom?

“I’m probably looking the most forward to dressing up, and just getting to have fun with my friends, and taking pictures and just looking cute for the day.”

Journey Thomas

What are you involved with at MHS?

“I am a varsity basketball player on the MHS team. I participate in pep rally games. I am not in any clubs due to my strong commitment to the basketball team but hopefully next year I can join some. I also am in yearbook.”

What are your plans after graduation?

“My plans after graduation are to go to college for nursing or business or go to college for basketball. I want to go far for college but if I stay I would like to attend Purdue University (West Lafayette), IU (Indy), or IU (Bloomington).”

What does being on prom court mean to you?

“Prom Queen to me represents leadership, personal growth, courageousness, and amiableness. It can signify that the person is well-liked, has a strong social presence, and is seen as a good example among their classmates.”

What are you looking forward to about prom?

“I am looking forward to dancing with my friends, dressing up, and having a good time.”

Akaiyah Lindsey

What are you involved with at MHS?

“I am involved in Freshman mentors, I am student government president, and I also help with homecoming and prom.”

What are your plans after graduation?

“My plans after graduation are to go to college and major in Finance, and take a minor in pre-law.”

What does being on prom court mean to you?

“Being on prom court means that I can represent my school, also it means to represent the shy kids to let them know they can do it to.”

What are you looking forward to about prom?

“I am looking forward to hanging out with my friends and dressing up.”

Amillie Almaraz

What are you involved with at MHS?

“I am the president of our Unity Club, Stage Manager for our thespian troupe, In our all girls choir, Anime club, Freshman Mentors, and Winter Guard.”

What are your plans after graduation?

“Since I’m graduating early I still plan to be around the area and participate in my extracurriculars and attend Ivy Tech Community College.”

What does being on prom court mean to you?

“Being on prom court means the absolute world to me I have so much passion, and dedication to our school so I really appreciate this opportunity.”

What are you looking forward to about prom?

“I’m looking forward to hanging out and socializing with everyone maybe even making new friends and also recording videos for my social media.”

Prom King Candidates

Aydan Gabriel

What are you involved with at MHS?

“I do a few different academic things such as Robotics, I do Mock Trial. I’m also doing Impact Day as a facilitator. I also help out with kids for tutoring whenever they need it, especially for Calculus.”

What are your plans after graduation?

“I want to go to college to pursue Aeronautical Engineering and be a pilot. I felt like it would be nice to explore the world as a pilot and be able to see different countries and meet different people. It’s not an easy job, but it’ll be something that I can enjoy.”

What does being on the prom court mean to you?

“Being on the prom court makes me feel as if people look up to me like I’m a leader.”

What are you looking forward to about prom?

“I’m looking forward to being able to hang out with my friends. To just have fun at prom and even maybe see new people. I’m obviously excited to see my girlfriend. Other than that, I just want to see my friends and hang out.”

Gavin Stainer

Markus Robinson