Save the Date: Senior Prom will take place on June 5

By Mia Sitts

May 11, 2021

After a long and stressful year of learning during a pandemic, Colonie Central High School Seniors are wrapping up their school year. With the support of school officials and staff, they have been given the opportunity to experience a Prom in 2021.

The struggle to keep up with changing guidelines, vendors, and venue availability has been a real issue that staff members have been forced to handle when making decisions about senior events.

“We’re doing everything we can to do to give the students everything they want, but sometimes guidelines, restrictions, vendors, prices and keeping things equitable for everybody do not match up,” says senior class adviser, Juli Hutchins.

Despite the struggle, prom is happening. With this great news, those coordinating the event must remember safety guidelines as well. There have been many safety restrictions implemented to ensure the students and staff remain safe and healthy.

Although students still have to wear masks, Hutchins states that the new guidelines are allowing up to 375 students to gather for prom. There are 374 students in the graduating class.

Students can either be fully vaccinated, receive a negative PCR test within 72 hours or a rapid test six hours prior to prom.

Also, guidelines state that dance floors are now being allowed. Instead of boxed pods for students to dance in, the whole dance floor is open.

However, students have said that they are unsure they will attend prom for numerous reasons.

“I don’t believe requiring testing or a vaccination is very ethical,” says a graduating senior.

It has also been stated that prom will be Colonie Central High School seniors only. For contact tracing purposes, outside students are not allowed to attend.

“You usually bring a date but not everyone dates within their school or graduating class, however I understand they (the staff) are doing everything they can,” says graduating senior, Kaycie Cusack.

Many seniors have expressed that they are actually surprised that there will even be a prom amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. This opportunity has not been provided to many other schools in the Capital Region.

“I honestly don’t think it’s going to be bad. I’m here for the prom pictures and to carry this memory with me,” says senior Maya Thaickal.

The graduating class does recognize and appreciate the Colonie Central staff for trying their best to provide them with a prom even though it may not be the same as previous years.

If you are attending Prom 2021 this year, make sure you remember: mask up and dress to impress! Prom will take place Saturday June 5 at the Marriott on Wolf Road.