Pennsbury Prom: The Dilemmas of a Date

The following article was submitted by Pennsbury High School senior Jeanie Davey:

It’s finally here. That time of year when you get to dress up as you’ve never before, join your friends on the dance floor, and have the time of your life has arrived. All with the following words:

“Will you go to Prom with me?”

Those seven words that ask that most beloved, and at some times, dreaded question can make the greatest differences for high school students.

For Pennsbury High School students, the anticipation of having someone for your date to Prom can be ultimately nerve-wracking. Will they say no? What if they already have a date? Could things get awkward? These are but some of the many thoughts that can run through students’ minds as the time comes closer and closer to the magical evening.

I was one of these students; the one who, when all of her friends excitedly told of their adorable and creative prom proposals, smiled and silently wished that the same would happen to herself. But I truly believed that someone would ask me. However, as the days and weeks went by, having a date seemed anything but possible. I began to bitterly watch other girls experience that magical moment when they were asked to the “Best Prom in America”.

But then something changed. I realized I wasn’t the only girl who was going through this situation. My friend [M] told me that she, too, was dateless for Prom. “I think it’s fine. I hate the word ‘date’ because of the connotation it has. It’s more relaxed to go with your friends and have fun!” It finally clicked to me that it was completely normal to not have a date for Prom. In fact, talking to teachers at Pennsbury High School, I was informed that this new craze for huge and outrageous prom proposals was only a recent act of high school seniors. I started to feel assured.

So what were the positives of my, and many other students who were dateless’ situation? Well, we could do the simplest, yet most assuring thing of all: have fun! Students who are dateless can find others who don’t have dates and go together as a group! Or for pictures, snag one of your other friends in to pose as your missing date. Be silly and stress-free! Dance the night away and show off your amazing dress or tux! Find your friends and make the best of it!

In the end, sometimes the best times are the ones you have with your friends, without worrying about having a date for the night. Although you may think you’re the only high school student in America who doesn’t have a date for your senior prom, think again! It is completely fine to go to Prom without a guy or girl by your side. So put on your most prized attire, get on your best dancing skills, find your friends, and have the time of your life! I, and many others, may not have a date for prom, but I know that I can still have the most magical night of my life.