Prom or not to prom, the student perspective

Students across the nation have lost out on high school memories due to COVID-19. Last year alone, a cancelled prom and ring dance left hundreds of students lacking those quintessential high school experiences. This year, we have already lost homecoming and bonfire, but a committee of Virginia Beach City Public Schools principals and student activities coordinators are working to see if they can come up with ideas for safe ways for high school students to celebrate their final year.

“The division is looking at end of year celebrations and ceremonies as they review the latest mitigation protocols and strategies,” said Principal Mrs. Leanne Turnbull-Pallette. “As these guidelines are updated over the next couple of weeks, information will be shared with schools and families. No decisions have been made yet. Whatever decisions come our way, Salem is going to celebrate the Class of 2021 with style!”

Students have mixed perspectives on whether some form of prom would be safe.

“Personally, I don’t think it’s a good idea to go to prom because typically people go to prom with a date,” said senior Jordan Millar. “By bringing dates, people are coming into contact with a lot of other people. That’s the last thing we need in a pandemic in my opinion.” 

This is why many precautions would be in place some form of celebration is able to happen. 

“I really think it’s going to depend on when it is at this point,” said senior Kaleigh Carlson. “Numbers are going down, and as it gets warmer those numbers will keep going down. So yes, I think it will be safe enough to go as long as people are smart about their health.”  

If there is some kind of event for prom, it likely won’t look like it has in the past.

“If prom is allowed this year I will definitely be going even if it’s not normal,” said senior Elyse Glenn. “I just want one good senior memory since it feels like close to half of my high school experience was stolen from me.”

Senior Dunia Moya agrees. 

“If prom is allowed I will be the first to buy my ticket,” said Moya. 

Prom is one of the most memorable high school moments, so there’s a lot to look forward to even if it is in a new format. 

“[If there is a prom] I am really looking forward to a nice night with friends,” said Carlson. “ I’m not really the romantic type so I probably won’t have an actual date, but I am really looking forward to spending more time with my close friends since I haven’t really been able to see them through quarantine.” 

From the flashing lights, to the awkward dances, prom has always been known as one last chance to have fun with your friends before graduation. In a year filled with uncertainties, time has yet to tell whether prom (or some other form of senior celebration) will occur this year.