There cannot be a Disney movie about high school without prom. And what teen doesn’t envision a Disney movie experience when picturing prom?
Then reality comes. In the movies, kids spend hours (and hundreds of dollars) prior, making sure that every strand of hair is perfect and there aren’t any wrinkles in their clothes, but many students this year may not have the time to perfect themselves.
This year, junior prom, occurring May 11, is accompanied by multiple sporting events the same day, preventing many junior athletes from recreating their favorite Disney movie. The ELHS crew team has a regatta 90 minutes away, and boats with multiple juniors participating in the 1 p.m. race. Meanwhile, the ELHS baseball team has a 12 p.m. game in Woodstock (roughly 60 minutes away) and ELHS softball has 3:45 p.m. game in Guilford. Both the ELHS girls’ and boys’ lacrosse teams have games as well, though earlier in the day.
Junior Prom begins at 6 p.m. and is at Port N Starboard, located in New London, approximately 15 minutes away from ELHS.
“That means a 12 o’clock start, a two hour game, an hour drive home, then I won’t be getting home till 3 or 3:30,” junior and member of the baseball team, Ryan Wargo said when talking about his game the day of prom. This leaves hardly any time to get ready, especially if pictures are being taken.
“Having an early game, and hustling to go get ready for prom is probably something that families can balance,” ELPS Athletic Director Kevin Marcoux said.
Some schools, such as Stonington, keep the calendar of sporting events free the day of prom. In fact, they don’t allow any games to be scheduled on prom weekends.
“I feel like there’s more pressure from students to not have anything on prom day, so I get why schools would switch to that,” varsity softball assistant coach and ELHS history teacher Jennifer Raub said. The EL softball game can run long, depending on the innings, and could impact the amount of time the players have to get ready for prom.
Athletics play a significant role in students’ lives. Although games on the day of prom may add stress, with a proper
mindset, some think it will add some fun and even more memories to look back on.
Getting ready for prom on the clock will be a challenge, but the day will still be fun and memorable.
“Figuring out how to get ready for it and having the time is going to be a lot of planning ahead,” junior and member of the crew team Dalynn Jackson said.
“While I’m in the car, that’s when my master plan comes together,” Jackson said when talking about her getting ready routine. She is planning on doing her hair and makeup in the car on the way to prom from her race.
After athletes break a sweat during their game or race, showers are a must. It takes approximately four to six hours for students to get ready for prom, not counting any hair or makeup appointments prior to prom. This is time that many athletes do not have due to games. Many student-athletes may not have time to shower, and plan on using products like deodorizing wipes and lotion in order to look and smell like they did not just break a sweat and compete in the hot spring weather.
“You only get two proms, so it should be okay to have one game from the entire season not scheduled on prom day,” Wargo said. Prom is a special night of most people’s lives, and should be experienced without stressing about making it on time.
