Letter: Elaborate proms exclude many students

Being in education for 25 years I have watched prom evolve into an elaborate gala which unfortunately automatically excludes a percentage of the population of the student body. How has this happened in a field that encourages inclusion instead of exclusion?

From the rental of the tuxedos to the several hundred dollar dresses that are worn for a couple hours, the meals, rental cars/limos, makeovers and thousands of dollars spent on cardboard which ends up in the dumpster the next day, to the price of prom tickets, we have lost sight of what we should be celebrating and what we should be doing for all kids.

We have kids in schools in this metro area that don't know where they will sleep tonight, how they will eat tomorrow, or are helping support their family at home while trying to do well at school to improve their own situation and because prom has become what it is, these kids in these situations are financially unable to join in these festivities.

I am not a 'fun” hater nor do I wish to trample on 'tradition.” I understand the excitement of prom and how kids look forward to it as does my own daughter. I do know however that kids are kids and they are more alike than they are different. I wish schools would lean toward an alternative that allows young people the option to celebrate the end of the school year and/or their high school experience regardless of their financial situation.

Scott Fruehling

Marion