Prom will go on.
All of Allen County’s schools plan to offer prom this year, after last year’s events were either canceled or smaller events were organized by parents.
The proms will feature a few key differences this year, though, because of the ongoing pandemic.
Officials with all schools said it was important to continue the spring tradition. Last year’s juniors are this year’s seniors, and if prom were again canceled they would not have had a prom during their high school career.
Iola High School
Iola’s prom will be April 17 at the school.
Many of the traditional prom events will continue, including the parade of cars as students arrive at the school in their finery and family and friends typically gather to watch and take photos.
After-prom activities organized by the parents are also expected to be offered.
“We’ve done a really good job with coronavirus restrictions. There’s been no spread at the school,” said IHS Principal Scott Carson. “We’ve done a great job all year hosting events and having school every day.”
The prom itself will be a little different. Carson and prom organizers submitted a plan that was approved by the county health department.
Some of the key details:
It will be an hour shorter.
Students will need to wear masks.
No out-of-town guests are allowed. That means all dates must be fellow IHS students, or students can attend without dates.
The entire gym will be utilized. In the past, a small section of the gym was roped off for prom.
Attendees will be asked to avoid mingling or dancing in large groups. To that end, the DJ will play a mixture of fast and slow songs to encourage students to dance with their date only.
Food will be served in the commons area, with a seating chart.
“The kids are excited,” Carson said. “It’s something fun to look forward to. The students and staff have worked hard to keep this place clean and safe, and I’m glad it will work out for them.”
Marmaton Valley High School
Prom will be April 10 at The Warehouse Event Venue, a former Haldex Brake warehouse.
After last year’s prom was canceled, parents later organized a slimmed-down version at the Warehouse. In previous years, the school’s prom was at a venue in Bourbon County.
