On April 30th, CCHS will be holding 2022’s prom. The theme is ‘A Night in Paris,’ and is sure to be full of festivities and celebrations. However, this year’s prom isn’t all rosy niceties.

This year the price of admission into prom will be $30, a not so far cry from the $20 it usually is. It might not seem like a big deal, but to some students it’s a bit much. Jackson county isn’t exactly the richest, and the cost of preparing for prom is already nonzero. This will be many seniors only prom, as one was not held in the spring of 2021. Making prom less even less accessible can be seen as not a good look. 

Some of the decorations are being reused from previous years, and allegations that the junior class has not sufficiently fundraised also taint this year’s prom as well. The prom is also going to be held at Garden Grove, a more expensive event center. Part of this is due to scheduling conflicts and a lackluster message from the Illinois state on large gatherings. Still, some seniors are unconvinced, and feel they shouldn’t be left holding the bag on their final prom.

Ethan Feloni is a senior and trumpet player for the CCHS band. He encapsulates the general feeling of many seniors well, saying: “I do feel like it’s a little ridiculous for what it is.” Feloni said he would likely still cough up the extra, but would rather prom be at a less extravagant venue. Beth Davis is also a senior and avid musician. She expands on Feloni’s point, saying: “ I don’t understand why they don’t have it here. More people could come and it could be cheaper.” This year’s prom could be more accessible, and Davis drives it home.

After a year of full isolation, and months more of social distancing and mask wearing, many students are anxious to get out and enjoy what is left of their high school years. The price of prom this year stands as another barrier to socialization that some think we don’t need in this trying time.