Nov. 7, 2020
By Christa Ruiz
Staff Writer
Prom is arguably one of the most memorable parts of the high school experience. From fancy dresses to a night at an elegant venue, it is an event like no other. However, in light of the pandemic, this year’s seniors, who were to have had their prom last April, fear they will never get to attend this special evening.
“Everyone deserves to have their prom at least once,” senior Juliet Camilo said.
Camilo, who attended LHS’ prom as a sophomore, said if LHS were to host a prom during this school year, there would need to be social distancing, mandatory mask-wearing and a reduced number of attendees.
“Everything kept getting pushed back… and now we just have no idea what’s going on,” Camilo said.
Like many of her peers, Camilo had already purchased a gown when prom got canceled in the spring. She said she was bothered by the uncertainty surrounding the fate of prom. The idea of having a virtual event as a substitute for the traditionally in-person event did not please Camilo either. She said a lot of the money people spent on an in-person prom would go to waste if it moved online, and she does not think a virtual event would be enjoyable.
Camilo said she has a lot of respect for the work the Prom Committee and senior class advisors have done.
“The Prom Committee is working really hard to actually get us a prom [or] have some sort of formal,” Camilo said.
Senior Allison McKerry is among the students serving on the 15-person Prom Committee for the Class of 2021. As for the juniors, their class’ Prom Committee is still planning to hold their prom during spring 2021.
“Hopefully we can look into [having a] winter formal so we can still have senior banquet and project graduation,” McKerry said.
She said the Prom Committee has not talked about a specific plan for prom recently, though ideas have been circulating. McKerry said adequate spacing between tables and mask requirements are two thoughts that have been on her mind.
The Legacy Castle is pretty big, so distancing really shouldn’t be a problem there,” McKerry said.
If an in-person prom does take place, it will be at the Legacy Castle, the banquet hall in Pompton Plains that was booked for the prom that was to have taken place last spring.
“I think ensuring the safety of students and parents takes precedence over having good high school memories.”
McKerry said she is aware of the risks of attending a prom during a pandemic, but ultimately she believes that proper measures would be taken to ensure that attendees stay safe.
“All of the [seniors] and their dates being together in one place would pose a risk, but I’m sure the staff would all wear masks, and we’d be pretty distanced. There probably wouldn’t be any dancing, and if there was, I feel like they’d make us wear a mask and space out,” McKerry said.
Senior GianCarlo Garcia, who is the class president as well as a Prom Committee member, said he is skeptical that a prom at this point would actually be safe.
“[If there were no prom this year] I’d be upset, but I’d also acknowledge that it’s probably in [everybody’s] best interest to keep everyone healthy and safe,” Garcia said. “I think ensuring the safety of students and parents takes precedence over having good high school memories…. I know it is harsh and cold to say.”
Despite his stance on the health risks and overall belief that a prom at this point could not happen, Garcia said all options, which include the possibility of an outdoor event, are being explored.
“The class advisors and class council are working very closely together to see if it is at all possible to push forward for a prom,” Garcia said.
Regardless of how he feels, Garcia said since this decision would affect the entire senior class, all members of the Class of 2021 should get the chance to voice their opinions on the matter.
“The best way to ensure we have a quality prom or substitute [for] a prom would be asking students how they feel,” Garcia said. “There are different measures we can take to ensure that every student in the class has a say.”
Mr. Tuero, who advises the senior class with Mr. Jelcic, said a prom will remain out of the question until governor Phil Murphy allows these types of events to take place.
“Unfortunately, we are at the mercy of the governor. We cannot do anything until the executive order is lifted or altered. We still have a deposit with the Legacy Castle and plan on using the facility for our seniors,” Tuero said. “However, we cannot confirm what exact event that may be.”
Some students were hoping that due to the economic effects of the pandemic, the cost of prom would be lowered. However, Tuero said The Legacy Castle will not be giving LHS a discount on the cost per attendee.
Although the situation is uncertain right now, Tuero said he hopes the seniors are able to have a unique event like each class deserves to have.
“This is a part of their life that they can never get back,” Tuero said. “I feel absolutely horrible that the seniors have been put in this situation. It breaks my heart.”
