Prom is important to the high school experience

By Joshua Archanian

May 10, 2021

I never really wanted to go to prom until my Mom told me about her experience not attending prom. She knows how it feels to regret not attending the event, even 30 years later (which is weird because she’s 29). When I asked her about it, she said “I’m still mad at myself for not going.” This says a lot about how much of a big deal it is. Even people from two generations ago still wish they would have gone.

For some people, prom is the highlight of their high school career. For others, it’s something they go to, just to say they went. No matter what it means to people, it is a staple of high school culture.

It is important for seniors to have this prom because, for the most part, we haven’t been able to catch up with any of our friends in more than a year. Prom has changed over the years from being really only for couples to being able to bring your group of friends. So, even if you can’t ask someone (don’t worry I won’t either) you could go with some of your friends.

Prom is normally one of the most important events in high school, and I don't think that should change. I would love to just have one last get together with people I have known since kindergarten who I might not ever see again.

The class of 2021 has been through a lot with the COVID-19 pandemic, and we need to have something positive to take away from the latter half of our high school experience. We need some sort of social event, as we haven’t had one in over a year. This whole generation is already antisocial. We don't need the problem to get any worse.

Also, most people have looked forward to prom ever since freshman year and are willing to go all out for the occasion. But what if prom doesn’t go ahead or worse, it does go ahead and doesn’t meet student’s expectations?

What am I getting at here? Prom should go ahead, as close to normal as possible. I think everyone can understand we can’t have the same event students had back in 2019. We get that, but some similar would be so nice. Most people don’t mind having to wear masks at this point and it’s not bad. Social distancing at prom would also be important, though I can’t imagine it. I mean, you should totally keep 6 feet distance while dancing with somebody. Especially slow dancing.

So what happens if prom is cancelled? Most, if not all, seniors might feel like their high school experience wasn’t as good as they hoped for. We know it’s not a Hollywood high school movie, but we at least want something to cap off four years.