ROCKINGHAM — Days after announcing the Richmond Senior High School class of 2020 will have a “victory lap” graduation parade at Rockingham Speedway, the school updated students and families about senior prom.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s senior class won’t have a traditional prom. But that didn’t stop Andrea McIver or the school from trying to make the best of an unfortunate situation.
McIver, who is Richmond’s art teacher and yearbook adviser, made a play on words to create Richmond’s “Mask-erade Prom Parade” for June 27. The social-distancing event will be held in the Cole Auditorium’s parking lot from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is free to all seniors and their dates.
“I was trying to think of creative ways for our kids to celebrate their senior prom,” McIver explained. “I looked at what other schools and places were doing and I came up with this idea.
“It was a little tricky because it became clear we weren’t going to be able to have a (traditional) prom,” she added. “June 27 was our last make-up date, so we went ahead and made this decision so the kids will have something to remember.”
For students wanting to participate, they will arrive at the Cole and follow a designated traffic pattern set up in the parking lot. Upon arrival at the front steps, students will exit their vehicles and pose for photos in front of a backdrop.
Local photographer Jimmy McDonald will be on hand for the event, and an online order form will soon be made available for those who wish to purchase photographs.
McIver added that the event will allow for small groups of students to gather, so long as they follow the guidelines set forth by Gov. Roy Cooper.
Richmond’s band and chorus directors, Edwin Carter and Chuck Wright, will serve as two deejays and play music during the prom parade. Creating the special backdrop, which will be revealed the night of the prom, is Jesuite’s Creation of Rockingham.
During the school year, the senior senate tossed around the idea of having a masquerade-themed prom, and as things would turn out, McIver said it was a perfect idea.
Although prom goers won’t be able to use the masquerade masks originally designed, the hope is that students will “have fun creating their own unique masks” to wear.
“At Richmond, we’re really about creating memorable experiences for our students, and prom is one of the most memorable things about senior year,” McIver said. “Even if they don’t get to dance, most of the kids will love the chance to take pictures, go out to eat and get dressed up.
“We didn’t want them to miss out on this experience,” she added. “We really hope the students enjoy it. We know it’s not ideal and we want to do more for them, but you don’t think of things not being there until we can’t have them.”
A couple other Mask-erade Prom Parade rules established by the school are:
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Only one car is allowed per couple or individual attending.
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Everyone must stay in his or her vehicle until it’s his or her turn for photos.
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All couples must be in prom attire in order to attend.
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No entry inside the Cole Auditorium will be allowed for any reason.
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All RSHS school rules apply, which includes no alcohol or tobacco products.
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All state regulations and social distancing protocols apply for prom.
To try and compensate for this year’s loss of a traditional prom experience, all 2020 seniors will be invited to next year’s homecoming dance for free.
