Bellevue West to hold Prom on May 15
May 11, 2021
After COVID-19 cancelled last year’s juniors’ and seniors’ prom, Bellevue West has announced that a prom will take place this year on May 15, coining the hashtag, #it’sstillourprom.
“We knew it was going to be different than what we’ve done in the past, and it wasn’t going to be able to be the same,” Principal Kevin Rohlfs said. “That’s kind of where [the hashtag] came from.”
Due to the ongoing threat of COVID-19, this year’s prom will look different than before.
Prom will take place on the football field, with half of the field resembling prom and the other half resembling post-prom. After the event on the field, a hypnotist will be in the gym.
“We’re gonna have a DJ that’ll be out on the football field, and on the other end of the football field, we’re gonna have a variety of games that can be played,” Rohlfs said.
According to Kathie Britten, these games will include cornhole, giant Jenga, badminton, and more.
Tickets will be bought at the door with cash only for $10.
According to Rohlfs, masks will be required and games will be sanitized after every use.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on April 27 that people who are fully vaccinated do not need masks in outdoor settings. However, because prom is a large group outdoor setting, the CDC still recommends masks.
Rohls added that there will be donuts or desserts along with a truck from “The Beanery” selling coffee and smoothies.
“We’re assuming everybody’s probably doing some kind of dinner before they come,” Rohlfs said.
Prom court nominees were announced during Advisory on May 3. Coronation will still take place at the end of the night.
Prom court nominees for Prom Princess include juniors Jocelyn Belcastro, Robyn Boyland, Maryam Mealey, Grace Schaefer, and Jianna Swoboda. For Prom Prince, nominees include juniors Preston Ames, Hunter Brown, Tyler Jenkins, Micah Riley, and Chase Van Briesen. Prom Queen nominees are seniors Cami Harris, Brooke Hosick, Kristin Kennedy, Madison Moraski, and Olivia Wright, and finally, Prom King nominees include William Dunkleman, Chucky Hepburn, Jack McDonnell, Christian Lilienkamp, and Carson Wright.
Rohlfs said that prizes will be given throughout the night, including TVs, AirPods, gift cards, and more.
“When they come in, they’ll put their names in, and we’ll pull names out. Then we’ll announce them from the DJ booth,” Rohlfs said. “We’re hoping everybody gets a little something.”
Senior Zoe Bruno said that, due to not having last year’s prom and this year being her first, she has no expectations.
“I’m sure it’ll be fun no matter what with my friends.”
