Sold out: Upperclassmen unable to attend Pinecrest High School prom

Two years ago, students were turned away due to a strict dress code policy, and this year, students are being told prom is sold out.

Kylee Sparks, a senior at Pinecrest High, said she bought a dress for the dance, but tickets sold out on Monday.

"I feel like seniors should have the priority to go," she said. "It should be a given that seniors get to go."

Dyan Turello bought a ticket for his senior date, but he waited too long to get one for himself.

"Prom is just a big deal right now, especially since I am taking a senior," he said. "I want it to be like her best memory kind of thing."

The high school has more than 1,000 junior and senior students, but the prom is being held at the Fair Barn, a venue that can accommodate only 600 people with tables and chairs.

Pinecrest High Principal Bob Christina said the venue, near the Pinehurst resort, is the largest facility in Moore County that would allow him to book the prom.

"In the fairness of safety, and in the fairness of the fact that we only have one facility that is willing to take us, the fire marshal said we can only have so many people. Therefore, we can only sell so many tickets," Christina said.

In total, about 40 juniors and seniors have been turned away, including Sparks, who is not giving up hope that she will get to attend the event.

"My mom, she is pretty upset because my sisters were all able to go to both proms. I never had that experience," Sparks said.

Christina said he is already looking for new options for next year's prom. He said the prom may be held in the school gym.