It’s the talk of the school amongst juniors and seniors…PROM! If you were thinking about bringing a prom date from another school, think again, and find another date—as long as they go to WHBHS.
Juniors were recently informed by Mr. Herr on Hurricane Watch that they can NOT bring a date from outside of the school to the junior prom. According to Mr. Herr, “The Junior Prom is a great event that we are fortunate to have every year at the Westhampton Beach Country Club. The building policy of only allowing Westhampton Beach students attend the Junior Prom was discussed with the class advisor and class officers. Unfortunately, I know there will be some students that disagree with this policy, however, I hope they are still able to enjoy the night. In regard to The Senior Ball, students are permitted to bring dates from outside of the school.” Biology teacher Mr. Broich feels the way many juniors do. “I would be unhappy if I couldn’t bring a prom date from outside of school. I would probably boycott the prom!”
People want to enjoy themselves with someone they feel comfortable with. Although, many juniors and seniors feel that limiting their dates to only students in the school district will prevent them from finding a date. Junior Gina Reichert said, “I think it’s so stupid because a lot of people are dating people outside of school and if they can’t go with their boyfriend/girlfriend, they probably won’t go at all. Most of my friends have boyfriends outside of school, so they don’t have a date. I don’t have a date, so I’m not going until I find one.”
Many of the juniors feel the same way. Although, in an interview with one of the security guards, Ms. Palagonia, thinks differently of the new prom rule.
“I don’t even think there should be a Junior Prom because these kids don’t have the privilege yet. When you’re in 12th grade, you accomplished four years of high school and you get to celebrate, but juniors are just having a party. It’s silly!”
Other schools have a different method of having fun at prom and keeping their students safe while under control. According to Pittsburgh Tribune Review, Mt Lebanon High School has an unusual schedule for their prom. It starts at 10pm and goes until 5am! Most schools have their prom from 7pm to 11pm, but traditionally most students want to stay out until 5am celebrating. Therefore, Mt. Lebanon keeps their students busy with activities the whole night to make sure they stay safe and out of trouble. The school rents out the entire 17th floor at Omni William Penn Hotel, playing music from the DJ all night, and provides a hypnotist, caricature artists, handwriting analysts and more.
Well juniors, at least we still have a Junior Prom, let’s be grateful! This year’s prom is on April 29, 2011 at the Country Club. Remember the rules. Dress appropriately and be on your best behavior for the sake of junior’s next year. Here’s hoping our senior ball rules don’t change.