The Prom Must Go On for the Class of ’21

Prom is a right of passage for any high school senior. Finding the perfect dress, the perfect date and dancing the night away are all quintessential to a great high school experience. However, with this year changing everything around, will this year’s seniors be stripped of this right? 

Not at Lakeland Regional High School! Prom is on for LRHS students on June 15, 2021 at the Westmount Country Club, and it will be a night to remember, with necessary restrictions of course. 

Of course, the normal pre-COVID restrictions will be in place, such as: no students under the influence can attend, all students must be in good standing, dress code must be followed, and all students must be in attendance for the school day. Also a semi-new rule is being upheld in which all students must attend the prom via charter buses provided by the school. 

However, COVID brought us a couple new restrictions. Students must undergo a temperature check and masks must be worn at all times. In place of the normal sit down dinner, there will be a continuous cocktail hour where students must eat food outside in the patio area. No outside guests are allowed; however, underclassmen are permitted as guests. Dancing is permitted, but social distancing and masks will be enforced. 

All the seniors were relieved to hear that prom would be on. Many seniors were worried at first about restrictions, but upon receiving more information many have changed their tune. The Ledger interviewed senior Catherine Morgan. When asked about the restrictions she replied, “I‘m not too worried about the restrictions; it just is how everything is right now and we’re lucky we’re even able to have prom, so I think the restrictions are worth it.” She will be attending the prom and is excited to do so. She says, “It is something I’ve looked forward to since freshman year and I know everyone has tried really hard to make this happen for us.” 

The prom will be $70.00 for all seniors and $75.00 for underclassmen guests, and students must arrive no later than 6:00 p.m. to board the buses. 

As one senior to another, if you are a senior contemplating attending the prom – just do it! In this day and age, who knows the next time you’ll have the chance to dress up and dance the night away. Morgan speaks for all seniors when she says, “My hopes for prom are to have a good time with my friends and to try to have as close to a normal end of senior year as possible.”