GHS NEWS

GHS Hosts Socially Distanced Prom

Dance shows first steps back to normalcy

Editor Colleen Brownley

In the past dances have been held in venues, gymnasiums, or cafeterias with a DJ and food off to the side. But now as a result of the pandemic, dances look a little different. On Saturday, March 22nd, Gloucester Highschool held a socially distanced prom at Ware Episcobal Church from 7 to 9:30 PM.

Ms. Thompson and Ms. Zinetti were essential in the planning of this prom, at the beginning of the year they were told a prom couldn’t happen not even if it was socially distanced. But, after the CDC released new social distancing guidelines, Ms. Thompson and Ms. Zinetti were given the okay to hold a prom, and it’s amazing what they did with only three weeks to plan.

The prom had a turnout of “probably about 150 kids,” according to Ms. Thompson, and each Senior purchased a ticket before the dance. Students from other schools were allowed to come but they had to first fill out a form. All students were required to wear masks, have their temperature taken, and check in before proceeding to the festivities.

The dance featured a DJ and a food truck. Ms. Thompson stated that the food truck included “nachos.. funnel cake fries, regular fries, fried oreos, soft pretzels… water bottles, slushies, and icees.” These parts of the dance helped to make it feel more like a normal prom.

Other than the masks and added precautions put in place because of the pandemic, one more notable thing that differed from most normal proms was the absent royalty, there was no prom queen and king elected at the prom. This was most likely because of the short amount of time that this dance was planned in.

Ms. Thompson and Ms. Zinetti were not the only ones who assisted in the planning of this event, a couple of students helped as well. One of these helpful students included Bonnie Wilson, a senior class officer, who Ms. Thompson says “helped tremendously with the planning.” Other assistants included Timothy Oliver and Jalen Pryor.

The fact that GHS was able to have a prom, even if it was socially distanced, is a sign that the pandemic is turning around, and soon the world may be back to normal.