By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
As they slow dance with their sweethearts, Bowling Green High School seniors will be wearing masks this year. It may not be as picture perfect as past proms – but unlike last year, the seniors will at least have a prom this spring.
However, COVID will set the rules. There will be a strict limit on the number allowed to attend. Masks may only be removed for eating. And the socially distanced dining will take place in smaller separate rooms at Bowling Green State University’s Bowen Thompson Student Union.
“Our main focus is making sure our seniors get to have a fun night,” said Corey Sexton, library media specialist at BGHS, who has been the prom adviser for the past 14 years.
It was a heartbreaker last spring when COVID canceled the prom, Sexton said.
The decorations for the “London Fog” theme were packed away, and the dresses that were purchased never reached the dance floor.
“This is their only opportunity to experience a prom,” Sexton said of the BGHS seniors. “They are excited. They like getting dressed up and going someplace other than the gym to dance.”
Up until a couple weeks ago, the prom was being planned without dancing since that was still on Gov. Mike DeWine’s list of unsafe activities. So initially, school officials hired a comedian and magician to entertain the seniors.
“We really weren’t sure what the prom might look like,” Sexton said. So even though dancing was initially prohibited, “we just wanted to give them a night out.”
But when DeWine announced that dancing could take place as long as masks were worn, the stage entertainment was canceled and dancing was added.
“They’re pretty happy about that,” BGHS Principal Jeff Dever said.
Last year at this time, Dever was lamenting the loss of senior rituals. Prom dresses did not make an appearance on the dance floor, athletes’ skills went untested, and musical events went quiet.
But the limitations placed on this year’s prom by COVID have caused some headaches – and heartaches.
Only 210 will be allowed to attend, with first dibs going to BGHS seniors. Normally between 330 and 350 students attend, Sexton said.
Tickets for the April 24 event will go on sale Monday. If there are still tickets available by Friday, those will be offered to juniors.
“The seniors have lost so much,” said Assistant Principal Dan Black. “We wanted to give these seniors something. We understand this is an important event for our seniors.”
Sexton recalled last year when the plug was pulled on the prom.
“We had all the decorations bought. It was a bummer,” she said.
There will be no decorations this year since there will be no tables allowed in the ballroom and the students will be socially distanced while dining, Sexton said.
“BGSU has been really, really, really great for us to work with,” she said. “They are bending over backward to make sure the kids have a prom.”
“I’m excited for the kids to have this opportunity,” Sexton said. “We’ll make it work.”
