JCHS Holds Summer Prom
Last Saturday evening, July 18, Jasper County High School held its 2020 Junior-Senior Prom, taking the opportunity to provide students with a notable, celebratory experience in the face of a truncated school year.
This uniquely scheduled prom was the inaugural event of the freshly manicured, newly opened plaza area of its on-campus sports complex, right outside the new football stadium. Its theme, “A Party at Gatsby’s,” and prom decorations were reminiscent of the Roaring 1920s from a century before.
With the support and encouragement of JCHS administration and county-level administration, faculty and staff spent many days preparing for the occasion under the leadership of faculty advisor Suzanne Arena, the prom’s sponsor and director.
She pursued a vigorous course of action to ensure students were not “cheated” of their prom, often considered a rite of passage for many high school upperclassmen, while attending to the social distancing guidelines outlined in Governor Kemp’s Executive Order.
The challenges of the 2020 season and COVID-19 remained uppermost in their minds as plans were drafted and tweaked to mitigate health risks while still permitting the event. Plans included social distancing in the few common areas, and several separate dance floors; hand sanitizer stations were positioned throughout the plaza; masks were encouraged. All JCHS administrators and two sheriff’s deputies were present to ensure success.
Just a couple of hours before the event, storm clouds threatened, but moved along, providing a respite from the heat and a nice breeze for the evening.
Attending students evidenced clear joy to be in each other’s company, uniquely able to count themselves among the few across Georgia who actually participated in their expected prom. The professional disc jockey team, the videographer, and the event booth photographers were all present, as previously planned.
Chick-Fil-A boxes and fruit were served with drinks for dinner, and students received their prom favors in gold glitter bags. Everything students touched were provided in individually for their protection.
At the close of the event, votes were tallied and the royalty was crowned. There was a tie for prom “king” between seniors Canius Dennis and Christopher Blakely; Rachel Dorsey secured the honor of being prom “queen.”
Students present smiled, took pictures, and exclaimed over each other’s appearance. Teacher Lianna Nix commented that the evening was a “great success,” describing it as “a pure expression of joy in the face of 2020’s numerous challenges,” and a “celebration of much of what makes JCHS a huge part of the heart of its community.”
Teachers were, similarly, all smiles as they moved among students taking pictures and exclaiming over prom attire, or as they served at the entrance and food tables.
To sum up the event, Prom King Canius Dennis sent an email saying “Thank y’all for the wonderful prom! It was fun. Everything went good. We really enjoyed it!” Mrs. Arena commented that it was remarks like Canius’ that made the event worthwhile for the adults. Every adult involved in making the prom happen was thinking of, and caring for, the students.
