Masked gala: Pandemic proms mark milestone for Class of ’21
by Amanda Cowan
Prom has been a high school tradition for decades, a rite of passage as seniors prepare to graduate and enter adulthood. Girls purchase fancy dresses and have their hair done. Boys rent tuxedos. Couples try to match dresses to ties. This year, however, some of the couples stayed in sync by wearing matching masks as well.
Prom in the time of COVID-19 took on a few twists from the norm. At Fort Vancouver High School, students fill out a COVID-19 screening form and had their temperatures checked as came through the door. The DJ encouraged social distancing on the dance floor.
Hudson’s Bay senior parents organized a “pop-up prom” outside at a local park.
And many of Clark County high school’s didn’t have proms at all for the second straight year because of the pandemic.
Prom queen Jenni Espindola, left, joins prom king Sam Crawford, both 18, as they take to the dance floor to lead their classmates in the “Cupid Shuffle” at Fort Vancouver High School on May 22. Although the evening was different from the proms of the past due to COVID-19 concerns, the students said they enjoyed the tradition. “We’re just glad we were able to have a prom this year,” Crawford said.
Senior Keyontae Cage, 18, and junior Diana Flores, 17, maintain social distance from other couples while waiting to check in for the prom at Fort Vancouver High School on May 22.
Senior Kristi Khaopraseuth, 18, left, and junior Ryley Nelsen, 17, have their picture taken by photo teacher Dean Dickinson before hitting the dance floor May 22. Photos were $1.
A couple finds some space to themselves while slow dancing during the Fort Vancouver High School prom on May 22. Due to COVID-19, participants had to wear masks and have their temperature checked upon arrival as well as fill out a health screening form.
Senior Taleena McGant, 18, takes a seat while joining classmates in watching the senior slideshow near the conclusion of the Fort Vancouver High School prom on May 22.
Junior Chris Boone, 18, left, takes aim while playing cornhole with fellow junior Emma Garrett, 16, outside the gym at Fort Vancouver High School on May 22. The games were part of the outdoor entertainment option for students at the unique prom, not only to offer activities as a secondary option, but also a safe outside alternative in case students didn’t feel comfortable indoors as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
Participants had to have their temperature checked upon arrival as well as fill out a health screening form before entering the prom May 22 at Fort Vancouver High School.
Students continue to wear masks and social distance as they step outside for a breath of fresh air during the 2021 Prom at Fort Vancouver High School on May 22.
Colorful lights illuminate the gym at Fort Vancouver High School as students keep their distance while enjoying music, dancing and time with friends at the 2021 prom May 22. Some Clark County school districts did not permit traditional proms this spring for a second consecutive year because of COVID-19 safety restrictions. Others forged ahead this spring doing modified events or parent-driven pop-up proms not sponsored by schools.
Seniors Megan Cope, left, and Mohammed Wali, both 18, join fellow students on the dance floor during the last song of the night at Fort Vancouver High School’s prom on May 22. Instead of canceling the 2021 prom altogether, organizers altered the tradition with pandemic-era safety in mind.
Hudson's Bay High School senior Jacob Beers, 17, left, joins Carissa Deleon, 18, of Vancouver dance on the dance floor as the sun sets during a 'Pop-Up Prom' held June 5 under the pavilion at Marshall Park. The event, which featured cake, doughnuts and soft drinks, was organized by the school's parents. 'It went better than I expected. A lot more people showed up,' Beers said.
Hudson's Bay High School sophomore Kylee Bachmeier, 16, center in red dress, joins fellow sophomore Malacki Lemar, also 16, as they stroll past playground equipment while on their way to join the festivities under the pavilion June 5 at Marshall Park.
Hudson's Bay High School senior Curestunn, 17, who declined to give her last name, joins classmates at the prom as she protects against COVID-19 with a mask during the prom June 5 at Marshall Park.
Hudson’s Bay High School junior Kayden Gonzales, 17, second from right with suspenders, enjoys a dance with sophomore Mollie Miller, 16, right, after sunset June 5 at Marshall Park. Some participants opted to wear masks while others felt comfortable without them in the outdoor setting. 'I thought it was a lot of fun...We've all been inside during the pandemic,' Miller said.
