At EHHS, prom is considered one of the biggest events of the school year. For many students, it represents a milestone that they anticipate for years. However, every prom season brings the same conflict: should underclassmen be allowed to attend prom, or should it only be for juniors and seniors?
Many upperclassmen believe prom should mainly belong to juniors and seniors because they have waited years for the opportunity. “I don’t like that idea of underclassmen coming to prom.” According to senior Eve Backhaus, underclassmen going to prom makes it feel less special for upperclassmen. “I feel like everyone waits two years to be able to go and then when a bunch of underclassmen are there it doesn’t feel like an upperclassmen privilege anymore.”, said Eve. She also believes that prom should mainly stay for juniors and seniors; “I feel like if you’re not dating someone who needs a date to prom, then you have no reason to go. If you’re going for fun you should have to wait.”
Another reason some upperclassmen disagree with younger students attending is because they feel like students should wait for the experience rather than attend early just for fun. Many students feel prom is meant to be a reward for older students after waiting through freshman and sophomore year.
Even though Eve disagrees with underclassmen attending prom, she admitted that seeing people she knows bring younger students that she is friends with does not personally bother her. She said, “I like the people going, so it doesn’t bother me that much, but I still don’t think they should be able to go.”
On the other hand, some underclassmen think that attending prom is fair if they are going with a date rather than simply attending with friends. Gabby Dion, a sophomore at EHHS, said, “I think that if they’re actually going with a date and not just their friend, then it’s okay for underclassmen to go to prom.” Gabby is attending prom this year with a date who is a junior. She explained that part of the excitement comes from getting dressed up and making memories with friends. “I want to go because I want to get all ready and have fun with my friends and my date.”
Even though Gabby supports underclassmen attending prom to an extent, she also understands why some upperclassmen are frustrated. “I think it’s fair that some upperclassmen are upset because they had to wait for that opportunity and now some people can just get in.”
Another underclassmen perspective came from freshman Lily Esposito. When asked whether underclassmen should be allowed at prom, Lily said, “I mean if somebody brings them yeah, because I feel like prom is a junior/senior thing but if somebody brings them then they get to go.” When asked whether she is attending prom this year, Lily said, “No, but I wish I was because I feel like it would be fun with all of my friends. I’m also sad I won’t be able to attend a prom with my senior friends.” She stated that, “I think it’s fair but also not fair for upperclassmen to be upset about underclassmen attending prom because I guess you could say it ruins the fun for them but if an underclassmen gets brought by an upperclassmen then there is nothing you can do about it.”
The debate becomes more complicated when upperclassmen themselves decide to bring underclassmen as dates. Bella Inorio, a junior bringing a sophomore to prom explained, “I am bringing Peyton Buzzanco to prom.” Bella said she chose to bring her “so she could have a fun night out with me and her other friends as an underclassman.” When asked whether underclassmen attending prom is an issue, Bella responded, “No, I don’t think it’s an issue, I just think some underclassmen need to cool down about it.”
Other EHHS students also shared opinions about what age is appropriate to attend prom. Junior Mia Vitello said, “I don’t think that freshmen should go to prom unless they are dating an upperclassman. Everyone should wait their turn and shouldn’t ruin it for the upperclassmen who have been waiting.”
The discussion around prom at EHHS ultimately comes down to tradition vs. inclusion. Some students believe prom should remain an important privilege for juniors and seniors, while others believe underclassmen should be allowed to attend under certain circumstances, especially when dating an upperclassman. As prom approaches, EHHS students continue debating whether prom should stay an upperclassman milestone or become a celebration shared by more of the school.
