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Students plan to get creative after CMS cancels proms at schools district-wide

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools has canceled this year’s proms at all district schools, CMS officials confirmed Thursday.

“This decision was based on the inability to host in-person social gatherings while maintaining social distancing and the lack of adequate time to prepare equitable experiences at scale for all high school students,” a statement explained.

A source told WSOC Wednesday that this was happening.

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“It was just very shocking and very disappointing, but at the same time I understand because we’re still in unprecedented times,” said West Mecklenburg High School senior Joy Fields. “Whether the vaccine is come out and cases are getting lower, we still don’t know what’s going to happen, so I understand.”

As student body president, she’s already working with her classmates to figure out a way to celebrate.

“I’m just trying to make the best of this year for my seniors because they’re really close to my heart,” said Fields.

She’s hoping a planned meeting with her principal will generate some ideas.

“We’re trying to come up with a ‘prom remix’ so it’s not necessarily like a prom inside the building but we’re trying to have it on campus so we can use our football field, our softball field and our tennis field,” said Fields.

Activities could include a kickball game, water balloon fight or a cookout.

“We’re trying to have just some type of senior event, a memorable senior event where kids will be like, ‘Okay, we didn’t have prom but our school did this for us,’” said Fields.

CMS leaders say that principals are considering other school activities to celebrate students that limit social interaction including homecoming courts, senior recognition nights, virtual celebrations, drive-through celebrations, drive-in movies and senior priority for athletic events.

Last year’s CMS proms were canceled because of the pandemic as well.

Last week, Cabarrus County canceled their proms, which sparked frustration with parents and students. Mooresville High School in Iredell County also will not hold a prom for students this year.

[Cabarrus County Schools cancels prom, other dances amid ongoing pandemic]