SGHS students opt to cancel prom

By ERIC X. VICCARO

Ste. Genevieve Herald

Every year, high school students look forward to prom — often considered a rite of passage for an adolescent.

However, this year, thanks to concerns over COVID-19 (coronavirus), Ste. Genevieve High School officials and students have decided prom won’t take place.

Ste. Genevieve communications director Bailey Otto made the announcement through an email on Thursday afternoon.

In the email, it’s noted SGHS junior and senior class representatives, class sponsors and administrators had an online Zoom meeting regarding the possibility of prom taking place during the summer.

“As a group it was decided in order to prioritize the health and safety of the community and students, SGHS will not hold a prom for the 2019-2020 school year,” the email explained.

The school district expressed disappointment an annual tradition will not take place.

The district reported the student representatives understand the decision-making process — and that “would best benefit the community.”

Ste. Genevieve’s prom was originally scheduled for April 18, according to Otto. Prom typically occurs at the Elks Lodge, a venue three miles outside of city limits.

Meanwhile, Valle Catholic School prom is still taking place on July 17 at the DuBourg Centre.

Valle Catholic High School principal Greg Miller reported a small turnout is expected.

The following safety guidelines will be in place: Temperature check, masks and face shields will be available. Students and tables will both be properly spaced throughout the centre.

Students exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms on the day of prom are asked not to attend the event.

Valle Catholic’s lower student population also played a role in the decision-making process, Miller explained.

Ste. Genevieve’s junior and senior classes combined account for roughly 275 students, Otto said.