By Laurin Azrin
Although this year has been unconventional, it is great news that this year’s Senior Prom will be as close to normal as it can be, closing out the year for the class of 2021 in a memorable way.
The WPHS Senior Prom will be held on Thursday, June 3 from 7-11 pm at its usual location, the Surf Club in New Rochelle. The event will be typical formal attire and will include all the normal excitements, from food and drinks to music and dancing.
Of course, in the midst of a pandemic, there are still safety protocols that have to be followed. In order to attend, students must have proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID test (a negative PCR test no later than 72 hours prior to the event or a rapid COVID test the morning of the prom, administered free of charge by the high school that morning). If a student tests positive, they will be refunded for their ticket, but will not be able to attend.
In addition, students will be seated at assigned tables of their choosing and will only be allowed to take off their masks when eating or drinking at their tables. Of course, it will be expected that in addition to wearing masks throughout the event, students maintain a safe distance from each other.
Another notable difference in this year’s prom is that only WPHS seniors will be allowed to attend – no other WPHS students in other grades or students from any other school will be allowed to attend. Even though this may be a frustrating policy to some, it is important to remember how lucky we are to even get a functioning prom for our whole grade. It was already a huge step to be able to allow our whole class of to attend an event like this, and it is important that WPHS senior students are prioritized first and foremost in their class event.
Tickets for the prom have already begun; they are being sold for $80 in Student Activities during lunch. Ticket sales for virtual students will be conducted on May 12, 19, and 26th, from 12pm-2pm in front of the Auditorium. Students who want to reserve a table with their friends do not need to purchase their tickets together. Instead, the first person to purchase a ticket for each table will be designated as "table leader" and that person will be responsible for letting the rest of their tablemates know what table number the group has been assigned. Therefore, when you purchase your ticket, be sure to know who your table leader is and what table number your group has been assigned to. Maximum number of students per table is set at 10-12.
If finances are a problem, whether that be for a ticket or even a dress, reach out to natashafreemanmack@wpcsd.k12.ny.us. If you have questions about COVID testing and safety protocols, you can email magalyracioppo@wpcsd.,k12.ny.us. Any further questions about the event can be emailed to marlenasimmons@wpcsd.k12.ny.us.