Baldwin students react to potential prom, grad cancellations

Amid the spread of coronavirus, the fate of high school graduation and prom is uncertain.

Some schools and universities in the region have proposed hosting virtual graduation ceremonies as people practice social distancing and self-isolation to help prevent the further spread of the virus.

New York schools will be closed until April 29, as per Gov. Andrew Cuomo. And while Baldwin School District officials have not yet made any decisions about what would come of high school graduation and prom, students shared their concerns.

“As a young kid, you always dream about prom and walking across the big stage at graduation,” said Baldwin High School senior Ronnie Marchese-Silano. “It’s scary to think that this whole thing can take these big events away from us. We’re all keeping our fingers crossed that this virus slows down and we can enjoy our senior year again.”

“I think that, even though nothing has been officially canceled yet, it is really hard to process that we may never sit in a classroom with our peers again,” said senior Taylor Parides. “A lot of us feel that we have worked hard throughout our 13 years of schooling and we want rewards such as prom and even hearing our name called at graduation.”

For some, prom night and graduation served as motivation throughout the school year, Parides added.

Senior Ava Bandel said it would be awful if prom and graduation were to be canceled because the events “are really the culmination of our high school experience.”

“Graduation is something that I have been looking forward to forever because it’s a happy and sad experience, as you are finally done but are now actually leaving your childhood,” she continued. “It really represents our growth as people. The only consolation for me has been that it’s not just us going through this — this is a worldwide tragedy and seniors across the country can all bond over the joint loss of these incredible experiences.”

Senior Alexa Zuniga said everyone is frustrated, but believes that his class will stick together now more than ever.

“With the thought of prom and graduation being taken away, we will look to each other for support realizing that no one can truly understand the pain we are feeling besides each other,” he said.

“If prom and graduation were to be canceled, it would be beyond devastating to me as well as the entire senior class,” senior Megan Doyle said. “I’ve been waiting 12 years to finally go to prom and graduate high school, as this would complete a huge chapter of my life. However, this entire situation has allowed me to sit back and appreciate what I have. Thank God my family has remained healthy and safe throughout the rapid spread of Covid-19.”