On May 15, Robinson seniors flocked to the CL Space in formal wear, ready to make-up for one of the many senior year experiences the COVID-19 pandemic has forced them to miss: prom. The dance was hosted by Rachel Steinfeld (’21) from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. and had no theme.

In typical years, the prom is organized by the school, but the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has put a cap on many school-hosted senior year activities, such as Homecoming, the senior field trip to Universal, and prom. Steinfeld took it on herself to rectify the situation how she best saw fit: by teaming up with her mother to organize a prom for all Robinson seniors.

“We decided to have an informal prom because we felt as though we could create a prom that not only celebrated the seniors but also was able to keep everyone safe,” Steinfeld said. “Since the school wasn’t able to have a prom, we thought it would be fun to put on our own.”

To spread word of the prom, Steinfeld made flyers and posted them on social media, as well as relying on word-of-mouth to get people to buy tickets, which were $40 each. Before the dance, around 140 people had purchased a ticket.

“I heard about prom friend a friend… [I was told] to buy my ticket during lunch one day and I did it then,” Daniel Severino (’21) said. “Decided to go on impulse but thought it would be fun since it’s basically a party. Music and fancy clothes… hard to turn down.”

This dance was in response to the lack of official school dances because of COVID-19, but that doesn’t mean coronavirus precautions were completely ignored. At the dance, all attendees were required to wear a mask the entire time. In addition, there were temperature checks at the door, and attendees were encouraged not to come if they felt sick.