Sarah Gutek is graduating from Cornerstone Christian School this June, and while she’s disappointed her class won’t get to attend the usual spring banquet and ceremony to celebrate their accomplishments, she is looking forward to a different kind of celebration.
Gutek is one of 36 graduates across the country who is working to bring together fellow students for a virtual prom, which is set to take place on May 22 at 6 p.m. via YouTube live stream.
“We're going to just basically connect teens, get them listening to music, wearing some fancy clothes, all the stuff that a lot of people are missing out on,” said Gutek. “It's a good way for teens to kind of have their special nights.”
Organized by Student Life Network and a handful of other sponsors, the live stream prom is simultaneously a fun event to connect Canadian grads and a charity event. For every prom attendee who RSVPs to the virtual event, CIBC will make a donation to Kids Help Phone to support mental health in youth.
The prom itself will feature a live performance from Juno-winning artist Loud Luxury, as well as some shoutouts from Canadian role models — and a chance to meet and mingle with grads from across Canada.
The aim of the event is really to give grads a chance to celebrate together even while they are apart, as so many proms and grad ceremonies are being cancelled thanks to the ongoing pandemic.
Organizers are even working to put together a whole prom experience, right down to the pre-party events and the fun promposal tradition.
Leading up to the actual prom live stream, attendees are invited to take part in the Spirit Week events, challenges, and social media contests to put themselves in the party mood.
The Prom Wave Challenge asks teens to share a TikTok video of themselves dancing or showing off tricks in their prom attire, while the Promposal Challenge asks teens to get creative with this year’s promposal videos and photos on Instagram — asking their family, or pets, or whatever else they can imagine to be their virtual date this year.
Organizers are asking everyone to tag their social media activity with #PromIsOn2020, to share the good vibes with all attendees, and for Canadian teens to register as soon as possible to get in on the sponsored giveaways that are lined up.
In addition, #PromIsOn2020 isn’t just limited to Canadian grads, said Gutek. Teens from all over the world are welcome to join the live stream event, and Canadian grads can RSVP even if they don’t know if they can make it.
“Even if people don't really want to commit to doing Spirit Week or maybe the virtual prom time doesn't work for them, we still want them to RSVP because it really helps Kids Help Phone out,” said Gutek.
Personally, Gutek is looking forward to the event, especially as she doesn’t really have any other place to wear her grad dress.
“I bought it back in like December, (and) I've been itching to wear it. It's beautiful and I love it,” laughed Gutek. “I’m super excited to FaceTime with some friends and get ready for prom and all of that too.”
It’s also about more than just the party for Gutek, however. The idea of connecting Canadian grads through something fun and uplifting that also supports an important cause was all she needed to get involved.
“I've always wanted to be a part of prom and planning prom and stuff,” said Gutek. “And connecting with other teens during this time is so important, and I've seen just how amazing it is and how easy it is to connect with people across the world.”
She’s heard plenty of enthusiasm about the event from her fellow CCS grads, and she hopes more of Moose Jaw’s graduates will consider joining in, no matter what high school they call home — or if they have another virtual event of their own already planned.
“We never want to step on any toes, but in the same breath, virtual events are so easy to engage in,” said Gutek. “And I feel like the more proms you can go to, the better, and the more fun you’ll have.”
To RSVP to #PromIsOn2020, head over to the event’s website to get started. Registration is open until the virtual event begins on May 22. The details for all social media challenges are also available there, as well as on Student Life Network’s TikTok and Instagram accounts.
