MEDFORD, Ore--- South and North Medford High schools will continue to honor one of the most popular and important high school traditions, Prom, by hosting a virtual prom night on Saturday, May 16.
It will be called "A Night Under the Same Sky." It will happen from 8-10 p.m. via the Twitch app. Music will be provided by Medford's DJ Gemineye.
The normal prom night will not be able to happen due to stay at home orders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We care a lot about the feelings in our schools, and how kids and parents are able to interact with events and traditions," said Anywhere Learning Culture Director Kalin Cross.
Cross says the idea of a virtual prom started to circulate around mid-March, but it was not ready to be rolled out until it was evident that holding a regular would not be possible.
Cross says that the students were asked what events were most important to them, and prom night was an extremely popular response.
"For prom particularly, students really care to dress up and be with their friends. Then, the music aspect is kind of right after that. So, we were able to connect with DJ Gemineye who was able to offer a virtual aspect to the DJ piece. Then, with social media our kids are able to take pictures and tag each other," said Cross.
The idea is to save at least a small piece of one of the most memorable nights for high school students.
"While it is not the same, it is going to be something that is still memorable and holds a special place for them," said Cross.
South and North Medford High Schools are cross-town rivals when it comes to athletics, but the "Under the Same Sky" theme will ring true in these uncertain times.
Students that attend the virtual prom room will be able to make song requests to DJ Gemineye, as well as post pictures with dedicated hashtags. The hashtags will allow other students in different homes to see the photos.
This is a developing story. NewsWatch 12 will have even more information on NewsWatch 12 at 4, 5, and 6.
