Dancing away a difficult year, HHS seniors revel in prom night

The Hull High School class of 2021 capped an unusual year with a traditional celebration – the senior prom.

On June 18, the class gathered at the yacht club for pictures and a promenade, then headed to Lombardo’s for the main event.

“It was awesome,” said 2020-2021 student body president Nolan Tiani.

Because of new state health guidelines, the students did not have to wear masks, so prom “felt like a normal experience that we would have had before the pandemic, that we got back,” he said.

“It was great; it was a good time,” said HHS Principal Nicole Nosek. The event “actually exceeded our expectations. … We were pleasantly surprised it ended up being like a regular prom.”

When planning the event, the school had anticipated having to place restrictions on guests and requiring that students wear masks, so they postponed the prom to June. Normally, it would be held before the senior class graduates.

Nosek noted that the prom is very important to seniors because “it signifies the end of the high school experience; it’s a celebration of the end.”

“They can be together and celebrate,” which Nosek believes was important “especially after the year that we’ve had.”

The seniors did hold a traditional Prom court, with Cliff Germain winning Prom King and Kayla Chenette winning Prom Queen.

With the event being a difficult one to plan for, Nosek expects that “we have to make some decisions” about next year.

“We typically start planning that pretty much after it ends. There’s a lot that goes into it,” she said, explaining that it is largely planned by the class advisers, who were Mrs. Stankiewicz and Mr. Mullin this year.

Funds have to be raised, class dues paid, and locations and time selected. As for funds, this year’s class raised more than $6,000 to pay for the prom, giving the seniors inexpensive and accessible tickets.

All in all, this year’s prom was deemed a success despite the fact that, as one senior’s Instagram caption bemoaned, “They didn’t play ‘Dancing Queen.’” 

Victoria Dolan is school correspondent for The Hull Times.