Penn- Trafford seniors received a form recently asking about the possibility of a Prom occurring this year. Administrators suggest that it is possible, but things are still subject to change due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Tony Aquilio, principal of P-T, said, “It’s probably going to be ever changing from now until April or May, but right now we have a deposit on Antonelli, which is the event center we planned on using last year. Right now, our goal is to have some type of Prom.”

     Students are already hopeful that a Prom will occur this year. Despite the uncertain nature of Prom, some seniors are excited for the possibility and have already begun planning and preparations. 

     Senior Rylee Brannan said about the idea of having a Prom this year, “I did not get [a Prom] last year and I got a dress for it and everything. I was heartbroken that I was unable to attend. I have always wanted to go and it would make me really happy if we can finally have one.” 

     Due to the uncertainty of the Prom, some are skeptical as to whether planning for it to happen is premature. One senior expressed concerns about the uncertainty of COVID-19 in the future and thought it was too soon to start planning for the event.

     However, some students believe that it is the right time to begin preparations for the future Prom. 

     Senior Nathan Mock said, “Prom planning usually starts around this time of year and if we are going to have one, we may as well start planning for one.”

     Regarding health and safety of the students and the future of regulations, Prom may look different if it happens.

     “With the regulations that we have right now it would be very difficult to have a traditional Prom with dancing and dinner. If the regulations don’t change a little bit, it will be difficult for the actual dance component of it,” said Aquilio. 

     One student who responded to a Warrior survey thought it would be hard to hold a Prom this year because of the relaxed nature of some students regarding COVID guidelines, making a large gathering difficult to happen. However, the student also suggested an alternative option of an outdoor Prom.

     If Prom were to occur this year, Aquilio stated that the hope was to have it open to seniors and, if they choose to bring one, a guest. However, things are still subject to change based on the number of people allowed in a building at once. 

     Aquilio also stated that he hoped the possibility of holding a Prom this year would provide a sense of motivation among the senior class.

     “For the mental well being of the seniors, to be able to say that we have a location, a date, and plans to move forward if we possibly can is all the motivation in the world. Our job as principals is to make sure kids are safe, but we also want to make sure kids have every and any event possible for senior year,”said Aquilio. 

     P-T is not the only school to seemingly be preparing for the Prom. 

     “I’ve talked to a lot of surrounding areas schools and as of right now, they all have the Prom marked on their calendar and they are proceeding as normal with the hopes that they can have the Prom but still understanding that may have to make changes and cancellations if things don’t get better,” said Aquilio. 

     As of now the plans for a P-T Prom are moving forward, but things are still able to change depending on the nature of pandemic and what regulations will and will not allow. 

     “We want them to have every opportunity to have a Prom, to have a graduation, all those events that make being a senior fun. We do understand that it’s difficult right now, so I hope students  do understand that we have to make changes. We want to make sure kids are safe, but we will do everything in our power to keep them safe and still have events like Prom,” said Aquilio. 

Maddie Decker, Managing Editor