High school graduates want to celebrate school’s end

While the pandemic has made celebrating the last year in the high school low priority, some graduates are hoping for alternative ways to celebrate.   

Many students have been thinking of prom since elementary school, but the coronavirus pandemic impacted their dreams.    

Judy Ali, a Grade 12 student at Kennedy Collegiate Institute, said she was looking forward to the prom since the day she started high school. She also said four years of hard work deserve to be celebrated, but the pandemic changed the plan.   

 “We should celebrate this occasion with our relatives and friends in a big celebration, dancing, talking, wearing beautiful dresses or suits, taking photos and making some memories, but COVID-19 blocked the way,” said Ali.  

She said even if the celebration will not be as normal as every prom day, people can still go out to while following safety and health measurements.  

“Health and safety are main priorities, but (hopefully) we still can gather with limited number, social distancing and wearing masks,” said Ali. “We will not prevent ourselves from that happiness in wearing prom dresses, interact and dance. We can do it even virtually.”  

Shops selling prom and graduation dresses have also been hit hard during this pandemic.  

Alicia Graovac, assistant manager at Suzy Shier shop, said COVID-19 made the company change its focus this year on new requirements that needed by people instead of prom dresses.  

“Due to COVID-19, formal wear for events like proms, semi formals and wedding have not been our focus,” said Graovac. “As a company, we recognize that our customers need a more casual wardrobe, and we are striving to provide this for them.”   

Ali also said that although it is painful to remove this part of life experience for these teens who wanted to celebrate the last year in the high school, some home decorations, gathering virtually, family support and inspiration can make a difference.