CENTRE WELLINGTON – They won’t get to walk across the stage. They won’t be booking limousines to take them to the party. No pre- or post-prom parties either.
Heck, Centre Wellington District High School’s (CWDHS) graduating class of 2020 won’t even need to book a hair appointment or buy a fancy dress, since prom has been cancelled due to COVID-19.
But Elora photographer Sophie Hogan wanted to document the milestone in some way, so she gathered some photography friends and has launched the CW 2020 Prom Photo Project.
Graduating students who already have their prom-wear – and even those who don’t – can get dressed up for a prom photo shoot.
“It’s a small moment of what prom would have been,” said Hogan in a phone interview.
“I know COVID-19 has been hard on everyone, but this is really affecting our youth. I just want students to have an outlet to help them get through it.”
Jack McDonald (Photo by Sophie Hogan)
So, on May 23, students who sign up can have that special photo taken.
The shoot will take place on the lawn at the Elora Centre for the Arts. It will be by appointment only.
There will be four shooting bays and each session will take about 10 minutes. Students will wait in their cars until it’s their turn, to ensure physical distancing.
“This is for Centre Wellington students only. But I’d like to challenge other communities to do this as well,” Hogan said.
The photographers – Hogan, Dan Dunlop and Wayne Simpson, all of Elora, and Trina Kostner of Guelph – are donating their time.
Students are asked to donate $25 to the Kids Help Line if they can.
Diane Ballantyne, a teacher at CWDHS, is throwing her technology and logistical expertise into the mix as well.
“I know how important preparation for prom is. There’s some grieving going on with kids,” Ballantyne said. “The Grade 12s really missed out this year. Sports, musicals, theatre – there’s a lot of loss. This is one small thing we can do to give them hope.”
To register, visit the facebook group CW 2020 Prom Photo Project and download the application. Payment can be made online too.
Ballantyne will be in touch with students and parents to confirm appointments.
Organizers expect 200 students may be interested. A second day on May 24 has been set aside as a rain day.
Ariana Has Ellison (Photo by Sophie Hogan)
