Prom Is back!

PHOTOGRAPHER – KYLYN RIGSBY Accessories are a girl’s best friend, shoes are just one piece of the puzzle.

ANA HOLGUIN GOMEZ – EDUCATION EDITOR 

A year ago was the first in almost 10 years that Trey Downey couldn’t help Central High School students make long-lasting memories by planning prom. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic buildings were shut down, schools were moved online and events were cancelled. Almost a year after the first quarantine the tradition is returning to District 51 (D51). High schoolers in the district will be able to attend prom with a few restrictions. 

“I was receiving tons of calls from parents asking if we were going to change the rules, and kids would regularly stop me in the hallways,” said Mark Wilson, a GJHS teacher and student council advisor. 

Up to this point, D51 had planned to restrict attendance to students who attend those schools. Schools were pushing D51 to change this, but because of the uncertainty of the pandemic it was ultimately decided to keep the restrictions. A lot of students became upset because their dates typically come from other schools. 

“Last year was such a weird time, and prom took a back seat in priorities,” said Downey, a teacher and student senate adviser. “This is our school’s first dance in a year-and-a-half because we’ve been playing it safe. I think the kids are excited.”

Planning all proms has taken months and several students have put in their input. The theme for Grand Junction High School (GJHS) prom is A Walk Down Memory Lane. The dance will take place April 24 at the Bookcliff Country Club, and old photos of students will be posted throughout the event. 

For Central High School, their theme is, “All Things Disney” and will be held at Colorado Mesa University on May 1. Fruita Monument’s prom is May 1 and will take place at Absolute Prestige Ranch in Loma, while Palisade’s prom is May 8 at Las Colonias Park. 

All of the proms will be outdoors.

“Students have become used to uncertainty this year,” Wilson said. “Let’s give them something normal.”

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