Cheered on by almost two hundred of their peers, seniors Aaron Bertrand and Alexis Harvey took the stage and smiled as they were crowned prom king and queen.

Because of district-wide COVID-19 policies, RHS was unable to have a typical, school-sponsored prom. Instead, several of the parents of the Class of 2021 organized a dance outside of school. Seniors who attended the prom engaged in traditional prom activities, such as dressing up and voting for a prom king and queen.

“It’s just an honor to win,” Bertrand said. “It was a rush of excitement to hear my name get called, especially with Alexis Harvey.”

The prom-planning committee, led by Lori Emmons, put together the dance. Due to the dance’s lack of school sponsorship, the group started without funding and raised money through donations, ticket sales, and fundraising.

“We all worked hard for six weeks to put together a memorable and fun, yet beautiful prom,” Emmons said. “All prom attendees were so respectful and appreciative that it was worth every minute we put into it.”

The committee wanted to help the seniors create some of their last memories of the school year. As they leave high school, the senior moms hoped that they will be able to take their fun prom memories with them.

“They deserved this one last fun tradition after all the upheaval, disappointments and cancellations of their senior year during a pandemic,” Emmons said.

The seniors were very appreciative of the committee’s efforts.

“I’m grateful that we got something this year, and I love that the parents came together to make something for us,” senior Angelina Portugal said.

Portugal, among other members of the Class of 2021, enjoyed their prom experience. There was a buffet, a live DJ, and several places for photo opportunities.

“Maybe it’s because of COVID, maybe it’s because I haven’t seen anybody in so long, but I’m having the time of my life,” senior Eugene Kinyanjui said.

Kinyanjui emphasized the gratitude emphasized by several of the other prom attendees.

“They [the prom-planning committee] know what we’ve been through, and they’ve shown that they appreciate us going through it,” he said.

Wearing masks was optional at the dance because of the lack of affiliation with the Richardson Independent School District. Though a few people wore masks, the majority of people didn’t. Some seniors liked that they didn’t have to wear them.

“it’s just good to see people again, outside of school and without masks. Our bonds are closer outside of school,” Portugal said.

As the school year comes to a close, the prom king and queen reflected on the dance and its impact on their year.

“It’s been tough, but we’re going through it, and we’re almost done now,” Alexis Harvey said. “This is a bittersweet ending, but it’s a nice way to go out.”