May 4

May 4 Column: Parents save local proms

{Contributed Photos}

On March 30, 2021 Central Davidson High school posted the following on its website.

"Unfortunately, we have decided that at this time it is best to go ahead and cancel the prom. This decision did not come lightly and we waited as long as we could to make this call. All other Davidson County high schools have made the same decision. We made this decision based on guidance from ‘The Strong Schools Toolkit,’ which is the guidance we follow based on recommendations from the NC Dept. of Health and Human Services."

With the official announcement of proms being cancelled for all Davidson County schools came a hard-hitting, low blow to the local high school students. Year two of a Covid-cancelled prom left many students, once again, heartbroken. More than just another cancelled event or another loss of high school "normalcy" but another major cancelled memory. Or, would it be?

While students countywide were again forced to cope with disappointment (which seems to be the new normal for students since the beginning of the pandemic), parents all across Davidson County immediately jumped into action. They did whatever possible to keep Covid from stealing this one from their deserving kids. This meant that although students wouldn't have the typical "school-sanctioned" event as years past, they WOULD get to dress to impress, pose for the camera, dance the night away with their friends and classmates, and most importantly, make those life-lasting memories to treasure.

Oak Grove High School students listed from Left to Right: Back row: Ryan Taylor, Justin Gadd, Parker Frost, Josh Yokeley, Levi Gates Middle row: Katie Smith, Chloe Bethea, Emily Bowen Front row: Julie Gadd, Delaney Smith {Contributed Photo}

What would this "alternative prom" look like, was it even possible to pull off, and if so, how? These were some of the initial questions. But, with the determination, fueled by love for their kids, parents found a way and made it possible. And yes, all while following guidelines and complying with Covid regulations.

Some proms limited the number of attendees by having separate proms for juniors and seniors, and some did not allow outside guests or underclassmen.

Although very few complaints were heard, and everyone understood that restrictions had to be upheld, the kids were grateful for everything.

However, when asked about the required restrictions, two people in the Oak Grove community brought up guests being one thing they wished could have been different somehow.

Senior Haley Carden stated, "I wish I could have brought an outside guest with me. But, everything else was great! I really enjoyed prom and being able to see everyone for the first time in a while was really great." She lamented that although her boyfriend wasn't allowed to attend, he was kind enough to let her and her group of girlfriends to take his beautiful new Mustang to prom in his place!

Shea Smith, mother of senior Delaney Smith, also commented, "It all worked out for our family since our daughter's date was also a senior at Oak Grove. But, I do wish it could have been seniors only and they were allowed to bring anyone as their guest." Smith went on to say that everything else was wonderful and she and her daughter are grateful for everyone who was a part of making this prom possible.

While continuing the talk regarding restrictions, another Oak Grove mother, Charity McKenzie, (daughter, Katherine McKenzie) said that due to updated mask guidelines, students were allowed to be mask free outside or while enjoying the hillside terrace at the Castle McCulloch venue. But, while indoors at the Crystal Garden, students were asked to wear masks unless they were utilizing the photo booth, taking a prom portrait with the photographer or enjoying the food and beverages provided.

Outside Crystal Garden: Nate Moultrie {Contributed Photo}

Levi Gates' mother, Carrie Gates, offered, "As a mom, I am very happy and grateful they were able to have a prom after the way their senior year has ended up being."

North Davidson, Central Davidson and West Davidson navigated the guidelines by having two separate proms. One for juniors and another for seniors. This allowed students to bring an outside guest of their choice, under the age of 21.

Madison Callahan, junior at North Davidson, stated, "I was very happy with everything. The parents went out of their way to put this together and to make prom happen for all of us! The venue [Long Acres Barn in Winston-Salem] was beautiful, there was a DJ, a large snack table and drinks, they even made goodie bags for us and we all got one keepsake photo to take home."

North Davidson High School NDHS Madison Callahan and Caleb Hudson. {Contributed Photo}

Christy Hunt, mother of Central Davidson senior, Olivia Hunt, whose prom venue was held at Sapona Country Club, added, "These kids were so grateful for the generosity of those who made prom possible. The normalcy of the event was refreshing for them. I'm so happy my daughter was able to experience this her senior year and she had a great time."

Hunt, who disclosed that the prom was completely free to the seniors attending, explained the hosting parents of several seniors covered all of the expenses.

West Davidson mother of junior Alana York, Misty York, was one of the three parents who helped plan the junior prom. (Along with Stacey Pollard and Kelly Greene) York observed, "For three glorious hours we got to watch our kids be kids again, we got to see them laugh, dance, socialize and have some fun in their lives. For a full year, we have watched Covid-19 rob our children of socialization, school, sports, extracurricular activities and special events but most importantly we watched it take away their smiles." She goes on to say that they were so blessed to see the kids smiling again and that it was an amazing night at Wella Farms.

West Davidson High School Students Nevaeh Hairston, Nicole Brame, Ashley Riley, Alana York, Kelsey Buie, Caitlyn Kindley.

Although these various "parent prom committees" across the county all planned and navigated the process a little differently, they all managed to pull off a "prom miracle" for which everyone is so thankful.

Caitlyn Kindley, a West Davidson junior, said there was a limited number of tickets, but anyone was invited. Tickets were $45 (same as if it was done through the school). Tickets included food and drinks, DJs Lil’ Bit & Chilly, the venue (Wella Farms) and Hinson Photography. Kindley stated, "Covid didn't stop us from having an amazing night. This prom was different, it came from the heart. A lot of time and effort was put into giving us a 'normal' high school experience during these not so normal times. Overall, it was an exciting experience, and countless memories were made." Caitlyn's mother, Chelsia Kindley expresses her gratitude with, "I am very thankful to these parents who put prom on and gave our junior class a night full of memories."

Kudos to all of these super-hero squads of parents. They saved prom and gave the kids in Davidson County (especially the upperclassmen) who have sacrificed so much for two years, a prom they all deserved. With the love of parents, the generosity of the community, sponsors, venues, DJs and everyone else in the "village" that it took. Thanks to you, COVID-19 did NOT win this one.