All year, our senior class representatives have been working tirelessly to ensure that prom not only happens but also delivers on all fronts as a suitable send off for graduating seniors. With ever-changing and unsure COVID restrictions, navigating the tumultuous waters of planning an event as large as this, in these conditions, hasbeen distressing to say the least. Even now, as close as we are to its set date, there still remain a few details to be confirmed.
At the moment, this year’s prom is set to occur on May 21st, on the Spirit of Boston and Odyssey Ships. Since both vessels are currently at only 40% capacity, the entirety of the event has to be spread out between the two ships to accommodate our large numbers. However, there’s hope that if restrictions loosen within the coming months, the event could be held on only one ship, allowing for a more connected prom.
In regard to how the event will look, besides the common pandemic etiquette that we’re all well accustomed to by now -- masks, distancing, touching to a minimum -- this year’s prom will not be totally alien from what we’ve seen in the past. There’ll still be a dance floor, there’ll still be dining, and even though the tables are set to be placed six feet apart, and the number of people at each table will be limited as well, expect to still be able to share the full experience with friends and fellow students.
Unfortunately, even if every peg falls into its right hole, and every gear turns smoothly, there still looms the specter of COVID, and what happens if somebody tests positive after prom. The current procedure requires that if someone who attended the event tests positive within two days of attending, everyone on that specific ship, will have to quarantine for at least 7 days, with active monitoring and minimal contact afterwards. Of course, the time spent in quarantine will vary depending on how one feels, but by now everyone is expected to use good judgement to ensure safety for all.
The year has been filled with many unexpected occurrences that have forced us to improvise and consider abandoning or adjusting plans that we were fully committed to. But that hasn’t in any way affected our class representatives’ desire to deliver the best send off possible. And the fact that we can say that we’ll still have a prom or a senior week in these specific times, is a true privilege and a testament to their hard work and perseverance.