‘Secret prom’ shutters high school in Las Cruces

Students back on remote learning after event that may have drawn hundreds

LAS CRUCES — A Las Cruces high school returned to remote learning Friday as the school district in New Mexico’s second most populous city investigates a recent off-campus “secret prom” that officials said violated state mandates intended to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

A complaint submitted to the Governor’s Office said hundreds of Mayfield High School students may have attended the event April 10, according to a Las Cruces Public Schools statement released Thursday.

While the so-called secret prom is investigated, Mayfield will remain on remote learning through April 26 to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19, the district’s statement said.

Students who attended could face repercussions ranging from academic suspensions to being barred from school events such as graduation, district spokeswoman Kelly Jameson told the Las Cruces Sun-News.

“We understand … students have certainly missed out on an awful lot this last year,” Jameson said. “But anything that threatens their own safety and welfare is something that could potentially impact others, and the district sees that as irresponsible at this point.”

Josh Ziehl of Owl Cartel Event Productions told the Sun-News he was hired as a DJ for the event. He estimated between 100 and 150 students attended.

Attendees wore masks but many did not keep them on the whole time, said

Ziehl, who said he wore his throughout.

Approximately 20 adults supervised the event, “trying to keep … social distancing as best as they could,” he said.

The Sun-News reported it was unable to confirm the location.

New Mexico’s public health emergency guidelines restrict large gatherings. In Doña Ana County, which includes Las Cruces, the limit is 10 people.

Interim Superintendent Ralph Ramos said the “alleged incident” undermines

efforts the district has taken to ensure safety among school populations.

“Violating the order against mass gatherings is a disappointing disruption to those efforts,” Ramos said in the district’s statement.

Fraass said he learned of the event the next morning after being forwarded photos from social media posts.

“Some teachers are disappointed that kids, in their opinion, were being irresponsible,” Fraass said.

Ziehl, the DJ, said he was pleased to see the gathering.

“Honestly, the kids had such a good time, you could just tell,” he said.