Everyone has heard of Prom, but is it really necessary to have it in our schools?
I have seen Prom being used as a form of distraction many times. Students in class looking at dresses, shopping for accessories and even looking at the newest fashion trends. Students often use upcoming dances as an excuse to not do their school work. This can lead to students not taking care of their grades.
Despite the issues with grades, Prom is also a great place for the seniors of high school to get their last school dance experience. Many adults talk about their own experiences of Prom and how they enjoyed the memory. Prom is a big thing in the high school experience, emphasized by movies and shows that make a big deal about that traditional high school experience.
Many students like to take months to prepare for Prom. This can include things like getting nails done, finding the right dress, finding accessories and getting hair done. These items take a long time to prepare to be ready for Prom, which can lead to mass expenses and other problems. Spending can be a problem for high school students, especially trying to afford expensive dresses and hair appointments. The average high school student pays $600-$1,500 for the one-night event — a lot for someone who might be going to college and should be saving for their future.
I find school events like Prom or Homecoming very underwhelming. There is always music around and as someone who doesn’t like to dance and has hearing issues, school dances are very hard on me. But when the dances have games and side events other than just dancing it can be more entertaining and enjoyable.
School dances can be a source of mischief as well. Some students want to start up trouble or get a little too crazy and can ruin the experience for some, although creating a bit of mischief at these events can make things more entertaining.
Most of the fun of school dances aren’t even at the dances, it’s in the preparation before and the fun events after, which is technically not a part of Prom or other school dances. Students often go to eat beforehand and do something fun afterwards. I know in my experience, I went to IHOP beforehand and then went bowling after Homecoming, which was my favorite part of my experience rather than the dance itself.
School dances over all make the high school experience more than just clubs, after-school activities and long nights staying up doing homework. But although they brings a bit of color to the high school experience, they are still a distraction from the real purpose of school.
