Panther Prowl is a Miami Palmetto Senior High tradition that takes place every year in September. The event consists of every grade competing in a lip-syncing, dance and costume competition against one another. Every year, leading up to homecoming, each grade practices to best represent the dance’s theme.
Most Panthers, from the cheerleaders and Variations dance team to the staff and administration, look forward to Prowl. Participating in this friendly competition offers one of the best ways to show school spirit and meet new people.
The theme is released during the summer by Activities Director Elizabeth Valero, and each grade’s class board selects the songs they want to use. When everyone returns to school, practices for the event become a weekly occurrence, as rivalry between grades reaches all-time highs.
Prowl has been one of the longest-running MPSH traditions. Even staff alumni recall participating in the tradition since they were in high school. Guidance counselor Lisa Mallard is someone who has been part of this tradition for years and has witnessed the event’s growth.
“I remember being in it as a student in the auditorium; it was in the same place, but there were wooden chairs, and there was no cloth on the seats. Back then, it was such a packed house of students, community, family, that even the fire marshal would have to come and close it down because it was such an insane night,” Mallard said.
Like typical games and competitions, every team discovers its advantages and disadvantages. In Prowl’s case, the senior class has a greater advantage due to their experience, whereas the freshmen compete while still adjusting to high school. Despite this, many students across grade levels are still eager to participate.
Senior Class President Ruby Pelz has participated in Prowl throughout all four years of high school and has noticed a large improvement in her class’s performance.
“Everyone has become so much more involved and [have become] better dancers with more motivation to win,” Pelz said.
Although the senior class obtains advantages such as being the first grade level to select their performance music, it does not guarantee their success.
In all, Prowl starts the year off by presenting an opportunity for students to become involved with the school while also creating lifelong friendships and healthy competition between grade levels.
