We PROMise It’s Going to Happen

Here’s everything you need to know about the decision to hold the 2021 seniors-only prom at Main Event April 24.

%0AAva+Schneiderman+%E2%80%9821+looks+for+a+prom+dress+at+Dillard%E2%80%99s+April+21.+Despite+the+location+of+Main+Event%2C+the+student+council+has+decided+to+keep+traditional+and+formal+attire+for+the+event.+%E2%80%9CI%E2%80%99m+glad+that+it%E2%80%99s+still+happening.+Sometimes+dress+shopping+is+a+bit+of+a+hassle%2C+but+it%E2%80%99s+nice+to+get+to+dressed+up+for+a+night+because+you+don%E2%80%99t+really+get+to+wear+long+dresses%2C%E2%80%9D+Schneiderman+said.

media by L. Hansen

Ava Schneiderman ‘21 looks for a prom dress at Dillard’s April 21. Despite the location of Main Event, the student council has decided to keep traditional and formal attire for the event. “I’m glad that it’s still happening. Sometimes dress shopping is a bit of a hassle, but it’s nice to get to dressed up for a night because you don’t really get to wear long dresses,” Schneiderman said.

by Lily Hansen and Avalon Nielsen

The final decision for 2021 prom has been made. The event will take place at Main Event (64 Centennial Blvd, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129) April 24 from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

“We decided [on] Main Event since it can host our senior class all at one time. [It] was very difficult to find and acquire a venue that would accommodate such a large group due to COVID restrictions. We rented out Main Event so no other people will be in the venue when RC Prom is happening,” Student Body Public Relations Officer Reagan Oates ‘21 said. 

Tickets were available until April 16 on MySchoolBucks for $30.00 for this seniors-only event. The remaining tickets will be raffled off to seniors who would like to bring a junior guest. 

“In my opinion, I feel like senior-only is more fair considering the juniors will have an opportunity next year,” Alex LaMotte ‘21 said.

Due to the Tri-County Health Department’s decision to move Rock Canyon to remote learning from April 13 to April 27, new requirements to attend Prom have been put in place. Attendees must test negative for COVID-19 72 hours prior to the event.

“We know that protocols also change on a frequent basis depending on positivity numbers in the community. We are still looking at options for us to safely hold an event. We are very excited that we can hold an event for our seniors in any fashion and are trying to do everything we can to get back to normal,” Activities Director Kevin Cary said. 

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the DCSD Department of Health, Wellness and Prevention will run a rapid-test center in the Thunder Ridge High School parking lot April 21 for students, staff, and families. Tests will be available from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and the Google Form to sign up for a fifteen-minute time slot is linked here. Those tested will be contacted via phone within 24-48 hours or can access the patient portal and follow instructions outlined in an email sent to students, staff, and families from Administrative Assistant Erin Kiyan April 19.

The Student Council and the administration have rented Main Event for the night, so there will be no other Main Event attendees than Rock Canyon students and staff. There will be a dance floor and DJ to give the effect of a traditional prom.

“Many students don’t realize that most of Rock Canyon’s proms have additional activities to do rather than just dancing, and Main Event allows all different kinds of interest and students to be drawn to attending,” Oates said.

This year’s prom running differently left some dissatisfied.

“As a senior, I’m pretty disappointed in the whole prom situation along with this year as a whole,” Sam Goldin ‘21 said. “Prom has always been something I’ve looked forward to, and for me and my fellow seniors to never get to experience that is devastating beyond words… I’ve done my best to advocate for a somewhat traditional prom, yet my voice and so many others seem to have been lost in this chaos of this year.”

Others believe administration members are doing the best they can to host a successful prom.

“The fact that they are still considering [prom] and trying speaks volume that they are trying to give seniors the farewell that they deserve,” social studies teacher Katie Lemeshewsky said.