MHS Junior Prom: Traditions Trump Reforms

by Judy Silberstein with reporting by Keira Rakoff

(May 15, 2003) The Mamaroneck High School Junior Prom is definitely on: boys are being fitted for tuxedos and girls are making hair and nail appointments preparing for the formal dance this Friday, May 16 at the Renaissance Hotel. The after-prom party organized by the Prom Committee, though, is definitely off. Despite hours of planning by parents and students, the organizers reluctantly cancelled the event in the face of slow ticket sales.

The newly constituted Prom Committee of junior class student leaders, school administrators and parents has had mixed results with its agenda to rethink some of the local traditions accompanying the increasingly costly and complex social event with privately organized festivities before and after the main event. Heated discussions at PTSA meetings revealed strong differences of opinions among parents: some thought the Junior Prom should be eliminated (“Proms should be reserved for the seniors.”); others thought no change was needed, (“Just say no, if you don’t want your student to take a limo or attend an after-prom activity.”)

The majority argued for continuing the prom but with some modifications, including a bus to and from the prom, and a safe, inclusive, alcohol-free alternative for after the dance. After many weeks of discussions, research and negotiations, the Prom Committee nailed down what they felt was the perfect solution: the NYC Pressure Club, a Greenwich Village venue with professional musicians and bouncers. A luxury coach bus would provide transportation to and from the prom and after-prom.

At a lunch-time meeting on March 27, Student Council member Abby Feuer informed the audience, “There is going to be great food, lots of non-alcoholic drinks, a pool table for those who don't want to dance, music and lots of other great stuff."

"It is worth the cost,” said Junior Joanna Roberts of the $65 ticket to the after-prom on top of the $57 prom ticket. The optional bus would be an additional $15. “It is going to be amazing."

However, despite the student leaders’ enthusiasm, by April 23, 180 prom tickets had sold but only 20 after-prom tickets. The Committee opted to cancel the Pressure Club rather than wait further and risk losing their large deposit.

“It was funny,” said Junior Class President Elinor Marboe. “People thought it was really neat, but our class is somewhat scattered.” She understands some groups will be going to the Sound Factory Dance Club in New Rochelle and others have no plans for after the prom.

Ticket sales for the prom bus are also slow. As of Wednesday, May 13, there were over 200 prom tickets sold but fewer than 15 bus tickets. Rather than pay the $15 for the luxury coach bus, students are springing for cars or limousines that can cost up to $150 per person. “I was one of the few who supported a mandatory bus to the prom,” said Marboe, but even she will be taking a limousine. “Now everyone’s having to figure out who’s going in whose limo - everybody’s stressing out,” she reported.

‘It’s very difficult to change a culture,” commented Mamaroneck High School PTSA President Mary Stein. “Even though I’m disappointed, I’m optimistic for the future. In our community, parents are always trying to improve – and not just reacting to problems.” Parents of sophomores are already starting to think about next year’s junior prom.

Coordinator for Student Activities, Barbara Rosenblum was also optimistic. “The meetings were fruitful and everybody benefited from listening to each other,” she stressed.