The past year has been challenging for many people, especially students. Instead of canceling end-of-the-year events for seniors, the Hempfield School District decided to get creative.

The Hempfield High School (HHS) prom is typically held at the Eden Resort and Suites in Lancaster. Due to the pandemic, the Eden as well as the school district have specific protocols. A survey distributed to the HHS seniors asked if they would be interested in attending an event with restrictions. The administration received a limited response, but the respondents expressed interest in attending such an event. As a result, a group of parents stepped forward and started working with staff members within the school district to plan prom.

This parent group is two-pronged: They will help set up and decorate the stadium for HHS graduation on Tuesday, June 1, and then they will produce the HHS prom on Thursday, June 3.

"We had a conversation with the senior class, asking them what they wanted," explained HHS senior parent Jodi Rankin. "I remember a young man who said, 'I want a dance party, and if I have to wear a mask, I will!' These kids just want to have a semblance of normalcy and a big celebration."

Rankin contacted possible venues such as The Renaissance Faire, the Lancaster Barnstormers' Stadium, and the Spooky Nook Sports Complex.

"We started to secure dates and then we made a deposit at the Nook," said Rankin. "We're fortunate to have the Nook working with us on this. They've been a great asset."

HHS staff member and vice president of the East Petersburg Lions Club Wendy Toole knew that funds raised for prom would need to be kept safe. Consequently, she asked the East Petersburg Lions Club to sponsor the event. Toole has been serving as a communications liaison between the parents, HHS administration, and various groups at HHS involved with planning graduation and prom. She is the parent of a senior.

When deciding on a name for the event, Toole did not want to call it a prom. "We came up with 'Black Knight Red Carpet Gala,' which is a play on our school colors," she said. "We refer to it as a backwards prom, so the tickets all say 'Lights, Camera, MORP!'"

"This whole year has been about overcoming big obstacles and these various end-of-year events were going to be major obstacles," stated Shannon Zimmerman, director of communications at the Hempfield School District. "We all mourn and grieve over what the past year has brought for us and for the Class of 2020, so to see everyone overcoming these obstacles and putting together events for the seniors is phenomenal."

"I'm so thrilled we have the Lions on board, the parents on board, and have several local businesses cheering our kids on," added Toole. "I'm just so proud of our community."

To purchase flowers for HHS graduation or to donate to HHS prom, visit http://www.hempfieldseniors.com.