Previously held in museum galleries and at Navy Pier, prom is something most seniors look forward to, and it marks the end of their high school experience. 

This year’s prom will take place on Kenwood Mall on June 5 from 8-10:30 p.m. and tickets are free.

Prom committee member Meghan Hammond said the theme is “Under the Stars,” but will feature a casino component and raffle. 

Due to coronavirus safety precautions, the evening will not include a catered meal but boxed meals will be served to reduce time spent unmasked. According to Ana Campos, dean of students, there will be no dancing limitations and up to two students can be unmasked for photos at a time in the designated photo-taking areas.

“Six months ago we didn’t know if we’d be able to have a prom,” Ms. Campos said. “When we first started talking, I said the restrictions are really, really tight right now so we’re going to hope we can have one. Like our base, initial request is ‘Can we please have one and let’s put whatever restrictions have to be in place, but can we at least do something?’”

In hopes of having a prom, the prom committee held a fundraiser earlier this year and received donations from the Parents’ Association and Senior Class fund to hire a lighting committee. 

“Especially because it’s on Kenwood Mall, we want it to be a really special experience and not just feel like we’re sitting at folding tables in between the school and gym building,” Meghan said. 

Despite limitations, Meghan emphasized the importance of having an in-person prom and the chance to come together before graduation.

“I think prom is just a really nice experience, and I think it’s something that every high schooler should get to experience,” she said. “It’s actually nice that we’re not at, like, a fancy venue this year and that it’s gonna be at Lab, because it’s like the first time this year that a lot more of us are going to be back together and kind of get to see each other before graduation.”