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After Mayor Ron Nirenburg prohibited gatherings of more than 10 people in an effort to stop the spread of Coronavirus, prom, which was going to be held on April 4, was cancelled. Now, with the new “stay at home” rule and the extension of school closure to the 24, rescheduling for prom is uncertain.
“It is critical right now that we do everything we can to protect the health and well being of our community,” coach Kirk, prom sponsor, said.
Prom preparations start a year in advance. The sponsors start by booking the venue, the DJ, and photographer to ensure they get the date that works best. Then, they elect Junior Class Officers to help with the decorations and theme.
Junior Class Officer Diana Cain said they only needed to make some decorations, but they were otherwise “pretty much done.” She was upset about the cancellation as she not only helped organize it, but was also planning to attend it.
“I am definitely disappointed,” Cain said. “I was really looking forward to spending prom with my date and my good friends. However, keeping all those same people safe is more important, so I understand.”
Junior Class Officer Lola Colin was also disappointed.
“I was somewhat upset, but at least I know this isn’t my last [prom] which makes me feel bad for the seniors,” Colin said.
For many seniors, prom is an important night of their senior year. Senior Victoria Brieno had already bought her prom dress and was planning to take pictures with three of her best friends and go out to eat with them.
“I was looking forward to finding out if one of my best friends would win prom queen and spend the last prom with my closest friends,” Brieno said.
Coach Kirk encourages students to stay focused and get their work done during these difficult times, and to keep in mind that the most important thing is to stay safe and finish the year well.
“I think everyone feels bad for our seniors during this time,” Coach Kirk said. “It is important, though, to focus on the things we can control, and not the things we cannot control. We are all in this together and right now we are all learning as we go.”
