For many high school seniors, the last months of the school year mean cramming for final exams and trying to find the perfect outfit for prom. Last year COVID-19 caused many teenagers to miss out on the rite of passage.
Jessica Puntillo and Isys Scott wanted the chance to celebrate after a year with little to celebrate. Working together, along with help from Indy Black Chamber and J&I Entertainment, the Ben Davis High School seniors planned the event for seniors throughout Indianapolis on May 21.
“We were talking about how it was really unfortunate that the opportunity was taken away from us because of COVID,” Puntillo said. “We came up with a plan to throw it for everybody because we felt bad. At the time, we didn’t know of any schools throwing a prom, and we figured that everyone would want the opportunity to celebrate.”
The formal event will be held at The Pavilion at Pan Am and will include music from Hot 96.3’s DJ Strick. Both Puntillo and Scott hope the prom provides students a chance to unwind after a stressful school year.
“There’s been a lot of obstacles,” Scott said of navigating her senior year. “A lot of stuff has been thrown at us, and it’s been hard trying to readjust from e-learning to now going back to school five days a week. … I’m mostly looking forward to all my class being together and seeing all my friends I didn’t get to see this year.”
Availability is limited to 500 people, and the tables inside the pavilion are spaced six feet apart with limited seating. Masks are required and temperatures will be taken at the door. Students must have a school I.D.
“I’m just really excited, and I hope all the kids take advantage of this opportunity and come out and have a good time,” Scott said.
Contact staff writer Breanna Cooper at 317-762-7848. Follow her on Twitter @BreannaNCooper.
