Nederland High Schoolers remember not-so-fondly that day two years ago, March 11, 2020. In the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, the President of the United States issued a state of national emergency, where over the next several days, social gatherings were limited, businesses were closed, and students were taken out of school for what was called an “extended spring break.”

At first, students were excited to be given a lengthened recess from school. After all, an extended spring break is great, right? Well, as weeks in solitude quickly passed, students at Nederland Middle-Senior High School (NMSHS) realized that they’d be missing much more than scheduled tests and homework. Sports, the theater program, and even Prom were all swiftly canceled.

Both NMSHS sports and theater were able to creep back into action, but due to COVID, school events like Prom and homecoming were put on hold until this year. Four members of the Nederland Student Council, Mackenzie Weber, Megan Hess, Ande Hammers, and Skylar Abookire have put forward hard work and diligent effort into planning Nederland’s first Prom after its two-year absence.

With help from the junior class sponsor Mariah Colton, and an accumulated sum of money originally intended for Prom 2020, these students were able to raise over $3000 for the 2022 Prom budget. With this, the students were able to rent an amazing venue, DJ, and snacks throughout the night. Student parents and local businesses aided fundraising for after-Prom, which will be held at the Caribou Room.

Prom 2022 will be held on April 9, 2022, at The Riverside venue in Boulder, with the decided theme being Enchanted Forest. A DJ has been hired to provide exciting music from when the doors open from 8 to 11 p.m. Snacks will also be provided. Later, however, students will have the opportunity to attend the casino-themed After Prom at the Caribou Room. Admission will be free to all students, but there will be raffles throughout the night that students can buy into, with one grand prize drawing at the end of the night. Casino game tables, such as Roulette, Poker, Blackjack, and Craps will be provided all night, as well as a photo booth and waffle and pancake bar to snack at.

Because of COVID, Mackenzie, Megan, Ande, and Skylar have never had the opportunity to attend Prom before 2022, let alone plan one in its entirety. All credit for Prom planning goes to these four students. Without their incredible dedication, as well as the generous funding from Colton, the junior class sponsor, Prom might have been put on hold for yet another year.

Please contact guardiansof2023@gmail.com, if you or any members of the community are interested in donating to the After Prom fundraiser.