School Proms Still On Hold; What Happens When They Come Back?

Libertyville, IL, April 14, 2021: A little over one year ago, the world as we know it changed forever with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic impacted just about everyone: toddlers, students of all ages, adults and senior citizens. The long-term changes to how we interact with each other may not be fully understood for years to come, especially for students who were required to transition from a traditional in-person education to remote learning, practically overnight.

We are now at the dawn of a return to normalcy, thanks to the combination of increased mask wearing, social distancing, and perhaps most importantly, the gradual increase in the number of Illinois residents who are fully vaccinated. Students are returning to in-person learning, with each school district making their own decisions regarding the pace and scope of that transition. Winter sports were played with a modified schedule and many activities cancelled in the fall have restarted this spring.

Among the most cherished senior year traditions is high school prom. This “right of passage” was almost universally cancelled in 2020 and has not yet returned for most schools this year, either. Feedback from area high schools indicates a range of events from no prom celebration once again to small, on-campus “mini-events” that will be closely monitored for safety, with the larger hope of a return to “normalcy” in the spring of 2022.

For 20 years, Zengeler Cleaners has teamed with high schools, the Glass Slipper Project and more recently, Mothers Trust Foundation, to provide lovingly-worn prom dresses, shoes, jewelry and accessories at no cost to high school senior women. “Although most proms have been cancelled since 2019, Zengeler Cleaners has continued to receive prom-related donations,” said Tom Zengeler, President of the 164-year-old dry cleaner. “We remain in contact with Mothers Trust and Glass Slipper, assuring both organizations we have an ample supply of dresses and accessories for whenever senior women may need them. We will proudly continue our support for these organizations and the students they serve.”

In the meantime, all Zengeler Cleaners stores will continue accepting prom dress donations. All items will be inspected, repaired as needed, cleaned and professionally stored for next year. “Zengeler Cleaners appreciates the ongoing generosity of high school students and their families who continue to donate to this worthy cause,” continued Zengeler. “As we look forward to returning to more conventional times, our hope is that high schools can resume their regular traditions next year.”

A picture of Tom Zengeler with dresses collected in prior years is attached. You can learn more about Mothers Trust Foundation at motherstrustfoundation.org and more information about Glass Slipper Project is available at glasslipperproject.org. For Zengeler Cleaners, contact Tom Zengeler at 847.272.6550, ext. 14 or visit www.zengelercleaners.com. Zengeler Cleaners’ stores are located in Deerfield, Hubbard Woods, Northfield, Winnetka, Northbrook and Long Grove, along with two locations in Libertyville.