High School prom goes virtual

A pandemic isn't going to stop Jared Rost from attending prom.

The Grant Park High School student is one of 36 graduates from across Canada helping to plan #PromIsOn2020. Presented by Student Life Network, the live-streamed virtual prom will take place on May 22 at 7 p.m. on YouTube.

"I'm on the Grant Park prom committee to help organize it and raise money for it, but because of the coronavirus it got postponed and maybe eventually cancelled if the pandemic continues," Rost said.

"I saw how disappointed people were. It's such a big moment for so many people. You grow up, graduate high school and everyone goes their separate ways for university, so prom is the last time you see many of your friends from high school. I was saddened to see how it was cancelled for so many people."

The #PromIsOn2020 event will give participants a chance to meet their fellow grads from across Canada and show off their prom wear. The virtual prom will also feature a live set by Juno Award-winning DJ duo Loud Luxury, prize giveaways from Kernels, Disney, Smashbox, Glamglow, and Unplugged Beauty, as well as shout-outs from Canadian celebrities and role models.

For every student that participates in #PromIsOn2020, CIBC will make a donation to Kids Help Phone.

"We won't let the virus take away this rite of passage we have been looking forward to for so long," Rost said.

To learn more about #PromIsOn2020, including how to RSVP for the event, go to www.promison2020.com.

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