In-person proms across the country are among COVID-19 cancellations this spring, but the Northland’s got something else in store.
Area schools are teaming up with Mix 108 for a virtual prom from 7-10 p.m. May 15, accessible on 107.7 FM, mix108.com or the station’s mobile app. Organizers are still adding to the list of activities, which includes a live program, songs, prize giveaways and more.
As of Friday, participating schools included Denfeld, East, Superior, Marshall, Hermantown, Proctor, Cloquet, Carlton and Willow River.
“Clearly, we can’t replace the prom, but maybe we can give them an outlet to listen to some music. I think music’s a great escape from all this,” said Tony Hart of Mix 108.
On Friday, high-schoolers, advisers and radio deejays gathered over Zoom to plan more details.
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“Do you have a playlist ready?” asked Duluth East student Sunna Mujteba.
“We don't like Justin Bieber's new songs," added Mujteba.
“Do other schools have senior songs?” asked Corbyn Goodermote.
“It’s a rite of passage,” said Dani Westholm, East prom adviser.
Westholm reached out to other schools and Mix 108 to gather resources for the event.
You have extreme emotions at either side, she said of the students and virtual prom, and you have to find a middle ground.
Some kids are planning to wear their prom attire on May 15, some are going to wear togas, in line with East’s prom theme “A night in ancient Greece.” Some students are making keychains with the hashtag #QuarantineProm, she said.
Westholm said they usually see around 600 attendees at their prom.
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They’re not selling tickets, so they’re not making money this year for an event that costs thousands in a venue, food, photographer and decorations. But vendors and the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center have all been understanding, and they’re planning on rescheduling services for next year.
As for the future, “Maybe it’ll turn into something that we never imagined,” Westholm added.
And while the virtual prom is for students, she hopes it will reach those who feel they’re missing out on something or who would just like a pick-me-up. “I have three little kids. We’re going to dress up, and it’s going to be prom at my house,” she said.
Superior High School hosted a virtual prom in mid-April, where they referred students to actor John Krasinski’s Some Good News prom episode . About 130 kids out of more than 300 voted on royalty.
The feedback was mostly positive, said Superior HS prom adviser Deana Wells, but she did receive an email from a student who was disappointed they weren't attempting to reschedule instead of canceling.
Superior is joining the Northland efforts for next week’s event. “They're all feeling like they missed out, so a little extra something won't hurt,” Wells said.
If you 'go'
What: Virtual prom
When: 7-10 p.m. May 15
Where: The comfort of your home, car, whatever
Tune into 107.7 FM live, or stream it on mix108.com , or via the MIX 109 mobile app
More info: https://bit.ly/2Wfez7n
