Before I highlight our amazing senior prom this year, it’s important for me to reflect on the events of last year. When Covid-19 came and ended in-person learning last year, it also ended senior celebrations that we know and love. This means that for last year’s class, they didn’t get to experience prom. And for those who didn’t go their junior year, they didn’t have a chance to experience prom at all. Because of events like this, I wasn’t certain if senior prom this year would have the same fate.

My fear of the unknown proved to be just fear because Episcopal, with all of their resources, made sure that seniors had a prom to remember. There was a lot of talk about how prom would look during Covid-19, but all the speculation was answered on March 19, following an email from Student Government sponsor, Ms. Wickenden. It read as follows:

“Dear Seniors, 

Please see the information below that was shared in the ESJ Insider today. At this time, these are the details that we are sharing, there will be more detailed information shared in the next few weeks. 

Thank you!

—

Episcopal School of Jacksonville is thrilled to host Senior Prom on April 17 from 7:00-10:00 p.m. outdoors on the Munnerlyn Campus.

Students must arrive by 7:45 p.m. and remain at the event until dismissal at 10:00 p.m. Heavy hors devours and dessert will be served.

This event is being hosted for the Class of 2021 exclusively, guests are not invited.

All registered students and chaperones will be tested for COVID-19 on campus during the week leading up to the event. Masks will be required for the entirety of the event.

Students will be able to register in the next few weeks.”

After receiving this email, it was reassuring to know that we were set to have a prom. Don’t get me wrong; the thought of having it outside was a bit concerning, given the uncertainty of outside elements, but the fact that we get one to experience in the first place is what really mattered. I along with other seniors began to prep for prom by buying dresses, suits and accessories. It was all coming together. 

A few weeks later, however, the senior class received a follow-up email from Dean Hodges detailing a few changes about prom. In the email, it said that  “Due to the weather forecast of heavy thunderstorms and lightning, we are moving Prom into the Buck Student Center for safety purposes.” I was happy to see that Episcopal’s Prom Committee could accommodate us and switch plans around when challenges arose.

When prom finally came around, It was everything that I imagined it would be. It looked amazing like something out of a movie with the streaming lights, satin curtains, fancy hors d’oeuvres and poker tables. Given all of the effort that went into making prom a reality this year, I can definitely say that this senior experience is one that I will never forget.

Image courtesy of Pixabay.