'Prom-Like' Event Planned At Hinsdale Central

HINSDALE, IL — When asked whether Hinsdale Central High School will hold prom this year, Sally Phillip, the school's activities director, is careful to say a "prom-like" event is in the works — emphasis on "like."

In an interview Friday, Phillip said the event will have a red carpet theme and participants would be in formal attire. But dancing? That's not allowed under the state's current social distancing regulations, she said. But she held out hope for the small possibility that the rules could change by May 1, when the prom-like event is scheduled.

Hinsdale Central students indicated in a survey they wanted a prom-like event, Phillip said.

"It's not going to be a regular prom. The plan is to give them some sort of experience," she said. "The main thing is to make sure the kids are safe and following the guidelines."

Typically, the school's prom is held at the Crystal Gardens Ballroom at the Navy Pier in Chicago, but that venue is closed during the pandemic. So this year's prom-like festivities are planned for the high school.

"Prom is a rite of passage. It's something that the kids last year didn't get," Phillip said.

Phillip said her whole job is activities for students and bringing them together, which is hard during the pandemic.

"I can't wait for things to be normal," she said.