With COVID-19 turning a year old only about a month ago, senior students were worried that yet another year would go by without a prom. Luckily, there will be two proms to choose from, one being hosted by the school on June 4 and one being hosted only seven days prior on May 28.

Raider Rally has been organized by a few senior students’ parents, with the original intent to provide this year’s graduating class with a prom with the details of a school sanctioned event virtually being unknown until recently. A buffet style dinner will be provided as well as a night of dancing starting at 7:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. Taking place at Royce Brook Golf Club in Hillsborough, Raider Rally will be  outside under a tent, weather permitting of course, requiring masks to be worn at all times, and adhering to the social distancing guidelines. If the weather does not comply, a full refund of the tickets will be given to each student who purchased. Additionally, the option to have you and your date’s picture taken with a beautiful golf course background will be presented. As of today, there is a wait list to get in so if you are considering Raider Rally and have not signed up, sign up just in case.

Prom, hosted by Hillsborough High School, will be on June 4 at the Hilton East Brunswick, the traditional senior prom location. As in past years, professional photographers will be available to take pictures of students in front of the wonderful fountain out front and down the cascading staircase inside. Social distancing will be effective by requiring masks to be worn at all times and tables separated by groups and sanitized hourly. Music will be played but unfortunately, at this time, no dancing can occur.

“Other fun and special activities will be planned to make the evening special and memorable,” Principal Karen Bingert said in her informational video sent out on March 17. Only Hillsborough High School students are allowed to attend to act in accordance with the CDC and social distancing laws. Principal Bingert also explained that the high school is still under contract with the Hilton East Brunswick for the reasoning behind why they did not choose a different venue outside instead.

Which prom will you go too? Regardless of the one you choose, a night of fun will unfold that will stay with you for the rest of your life at either gathering and will finally provide some sense of normalcy to this strange year.