Class of 2022 run into legal obstacles while planning their own prom

An+infographic+showing+the+new+things+outdoor%2C+socially-distanced+proms+have+to+offer%2C+while+keeping+some+of+the+same+traditions.+

Alexandra

An infographic showing the new things outdoor, socially-distanced proms have to offer, while keeping some of the same traditions.

In light of this year’s prom being restricted to just the senior class, a group of juniors got together to plan their own prom outside of school. Juniors Ellie Dawson-Moore, Sevy Hayes, and Zelda Harmoning are the hosts of the class of 2022’s year-end celebration.

Hayes said, “I have looked forward to having a prom since I was super little, and while I will get most likely get one next year, I still wanted to have the experience of having two.”

Although the junior class’s prom will be similar to a traditional prom in the sense that there will be dancing, music, and time to hang out with friends, it won’t be the exact same. At the moment, the group is planning on hosting its prom in a park, instead of a more traditional location like an official event space or school gym. But more similarly to a typical prom, there will be food provided by a local restaurant. Currently, the permit to host the prom in the park is only allowing for 60 attendants, which makes this prom different from the senior prom. “To be completely honest,” said Hayes, “I am not 100% sure how different it is [going to be], mostly because I am not sure what the school’s [prom] is going to look like”.

I have looked forward to having a prom since I was super little, and while I will get most likely get one next year, I still wanted to have the experience of having two,

— Sevy Hayes

Junior Lucie Bond shares this feeling with Hayes. Bond said, “I feel like it will be fun, but I don’t know exactly what to expect since it is not being planned through the school.”

Setting aside the apprehension, Bond still feels grateful for the effort the organizers have put in thus far. “I appreciate everyone putting in the work to make this happen,” said Bond.

Similar to practically every other event in the past year, precautions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 will be taken. “We are all going to be wearing masks at all times, unless eating, [and] we are hosting it outside in a park,” said Hayes.

Although the group is currently on track to host their own junior prom, things are still up in the air. “Me and my other hosts didn’t do enough research, and there are some legal issues we need to work out before we can actually go through with it,” said Hayes, “but I am hopeful that we will be able to get it all figured out and still have it happen.” Currently, the junior prom is planned for Wednesday, June 9th at Hidden Falls Park.

It is still being decided whether or not the junior class prom will be happening, updates will follow.