Proms Canceled As High Schools Continue Planning To Celebrate Senior Successes Virtually

Superintendent George Arlotto today announced the cancellation of all high school proms, but said he is excited about the ongoing planning of events to celebrate members of the class of 2020.

“Prom is a rite of passage and a highlight for almost every senior, and we have held out hope that we would be able to hold those events in some form or fashion,” Arlotto said. “Maryland’s recovery plan announced by Governor [Larry] Hogan on Friday is a common-sense approach to rebounding from the coronavirus pandemic, but the timeline and the ongoing restrictions on large-group gatherings unfortunately do not allow for us to hold proms.”

High school graduation ceremonies, which are set to begin May 29, have not yet been canceled, but Arlotto said high school administrators are busy planning various ways to host virtual versions of Senior Awards Night and similar events to honor soon-to-be graduates. Audio tributes to seniors are also in the works, and details will be announced in the coming weeks.

“This is not a place we ever envisioned being when the school year started, but circumstances entirely out of our control have put us here,” Arlotto said. “We are determined to do everything we can to pay tribute to our amazing seniors in the best possible way we can given the circumstances.”

Arlotto said a decision on transforming graduation ceremonies to a virtual venue will be made in the near future.