The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Nearly normal graduation and prom for Westbrook High
WESTBROOK — Westbrook High School is expected to return some normalcy this year for graduating seniors — with a prom and a graduation ceremony that families may attend, albeit following COVID guidelines.
The theme for Westbrook’s prom this year is “Under the Stars” and will be held outdoors under open tents May 1 at Saint Clemmons Castle in Portland.
Graduation will take place behind the school in the soccer field area at 5 p.m. June 11.
“I’m holding my breath, I am very hopeful,” Westbrook High School Principal Tara Winch said.
As the two milestones for seniors approach, Winch said, “we’re still a little early for graduation, for the excitement factor.”
She said it will feel far more normal than last year’s “virtual” graduation ceremony, which guests viewed via video and photos of students walking a runway to receive their diplomas. Seniors were assigned appointments for this “simulated” ceremony.
“We videotaped that — we put it all together,” to give to parents and grads.
This year, she said,
“We’re striving for an outdoor graduation.”
“Obviously, they would be masked, the parents and families in pods.”
Winch is also pleasantly surprised by the rising number of seniors getting vaccinated: “I am shocked by the number of high school students getting their shot.”
Project Graduation, the after-graduation party, is going along as planned.
“It’s an exciting evening of activities,” Winch said, noting specifics are always kept under wraps. “It’s always a surprise.”
The party committee has raised more than $18,000 of its $20,000 goal, with local businesses and corporations donating as well as individual contributions.
And even Winch is looking forward to the prom.
“We’re absolutely elated to see it come to fruition,” and there was just one prom ticket remaining as of Tuesday.
The prom, which has been held at Waters Edge Inn & Resort for the past seven years, was moved to Saint Clemmons Castle because it offers an outdoor venue.
The school had two requirements for the event, Winch noted.
“The prom had to be outside and we’re not allowing outside guests in,” she said.
Only Westbrook students, including remote learners, are allowed to attend.
At Saint Clemmons, there will be social distancing and limited seating at each table, she said. Masking will also be required.
Slow dancing will be discouraged and the DJ plans to help by playing dance music hits and there will be line dancing.