CHANDLER, Ariz. — Milestone moments seem microscopic compared to the current climate of the country amid the coronavirus crisis. Graduations, weddings, honeymoons and proms have been postponed or canceled to keep the virus from spreading, but one Valley senior is taking steps to ensure they step on the dance floor one final time.
Austin Morrow says prom is a magical memory so many should get the opportunity to experience, but 2020 juniors and seniors aren't getting that opportunity, so now, they're dead-set on scheduling their big dance, despite the delay: "Promchella."
"An event that we can turn to kind of make those experiences. It's incredible and I can't wait to share it with everyone," Morrow said.
Morrow is class president at Chandler High School and he says students simply can't miss out on prom night.
"Almost 12 years just kind of slip away, and it was an unfortunate scenario, however, we understand that it was for the health and safety of not only us but everyone around us," he added.
While the coronavirus has caused many events to cancel, the countdown to Promchella is on for thousands of students, refusing to throw away a rite of passage.
"I can't wait for all my seniors, all my friends – even those juniors where this was going to be their first prom, and it sucks that it slipped away – but now to have the event is going to be incredible and it's what we all need, and it's what we all deserve," Morrow said.
Morrow is working with Nick's Menswear Owner, Josh Fink, to figure out every event detail.
"It is a big undertaking, and the team of sponsors and people that we have planning on our team and – if this event is deemed safe to have in July – then this event is going to be bigger than any of these high school kids have ever seen," Fink said.
The two-day party is complete with DJs,, dinner and of course dancing!
"There's going to be the main event with a mix of some live acts, both local and national, and then a fireworks party to end it off and that's going to be both days," Fink added.
Morrow adds while this isn't quite the same as a standard prom, he guarantees it gives closure to upperclassmen.
"This opportunity right here is giving so many people the chance to make these experiences to go on with their lives and bring that closure and that high school experience to an end," Morrow said.
Proceeds from ticket sales go toward local charities and the countdown is on.
MORE INFO: promchellaaz.com
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