CLINTON COUNTY — As more people receive the COVID-19 vaccination, people are starting to look forward to certain activities again. For high school seniors and juniors, that’s the prom.

Last year, Wilmington High School held theirs virtually instead of canceling it altogether.

“Guests must adhere to all social distancing guidelines and masks must be worn,” states the Wilmington City School’s website regarding the 2021 prom. “There will not be a traditional dance format due to social distancing protocols and ODH (Ohio Department of Health)/Governor DeWine’s health orders.”

There are still a “number of things” outside of their control, such as current and future state orders that restrict gatherings, venue availability and/or restrictions due to health orders, local health department concerns, and the status or trends of the virus in the community.

As for their graduation, it’s currently scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, May 28. Principal Samantha Woodruff advised they are working on finalizing the details. The WCS website indicated they’re determining whether or not it’ll be an indoor or outdoor ceremony.

“As we have learned from this past year, things can and will change quickly. We will continue to keep students and parents informed of our plans as we get closer to Prom. Please watch your email and the WHS website for announcements and updates,” states the website.

Blanchester

Blanchester High School Principal Pandy McCarty told the News Journal, “The only plans we have at this time are the date, time and locations. BHS is blessed to have our traditional dates for prom and graduation scheduled for May.”

She advised they are looking forward to updated guidelines “which have typically occurred prior to major events.”

Blanchester’s prom is scheduled for 7-11 p.m. Saturday, May 8 at River’s Edge or at the high school gymnasium.

Clinton-Massie

Clinton-Massie High School will have an in-person commencement ceremony at 7 p.m. Friday, May 28 at Frank Irelan Field on the Clinton-Massie campus on Lebanon Road.

For increased viewing, the commencement will be broadcast over the internet.

Ticket allotment for an outdoor arrangement is four per graduate in the Clinton-Massie space, according to information from the school district.

The CMHS staff and the class advisory boards have been working hard on multiple ideas for the 2021 CMHS Prom. They are asking juniors and seniors to save the date of Saturday, May 8 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. for a special evening outdoors involving a promenade, food, and activities on the Clinton-Massie High School grounds.

All Clinton-Massie students and their guests are being told they must adhere to social distancing guidelines, and masks must be worn properly. There will not be a traditional dance format due to social distancing guidelines and current health orders.

“As we have learned over the last year, circumstances can change quickly with state and local health orders and virus conditions. All events that are planned are subject to change with limited warning,” according to a message that was shared in March with all juniors and seniors.

“We are committed to a safe and memorable [prom] experience that lives within the guidelines of current health orders. Thanks for your patience and support as we plan this special evening,” stated the message.

East Clinton

On Wednesday, East Clinton Superintendent Eric Magee said they are looking forward to being able to host both a prom and a graduation ceremony.

“Plans are ever-changing and we will comply with guidelines put forth by the Health Department and Governor DeWine,” stated Magee.

At this point, prom will be hosted through B&B Riverboats in early May. B&B Riverboats staffers are working with EC staff to ensure all guidelines are followed, said the superintendent.

Graduation will be held in-person and on campus. There will be capacity limitations to work around so graduates will be limited to a specific number of guests able to attend in person.

“We will work with the Health Department to make the determination on the capacity. Because of these limitations, we will likely not include non-essential portions of the typical commencement ceremony, such as the band performance. We will try to accommodate as many family members for the graduates as possible,” Magee added.