For decades, prom has been a long-established and cherished American high school tradition — a night to remember with friends. It comes as granted. However, this was not the case for the six Los Angeles Unified School District Virtual Academy high schools until this most recent school year.
Launched in 2022, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Virtual Academies serve more than 4,700 students with programs focused on Arts and Entertainment, Business and Entrepreneurship, Computer Science, STEAM, International Studies and World Languages, and Leadership and Public Service. These fully remote programs offer flexible alternatives to students facing health issues, bullying, or transportation barriers. However, traditions like an in-person prom were missing.
My work on a Virtual Academy prom began in 2023 after I was elected to the first student council at the Leadership and Public Service Virtual Academy (LPSVA) — later disbanded due to lack of funding and faculty support. One of our top goals became hosting a prom. But after months of preparation, school district regulations stalled the effort. The class of 2024, who began high school during the COVID-19 pandemic, graduated without ever attending prom.
However, that was not the end of the effort. As we returned to school in August 2024, math teacher Carrie Phu and I revived the initiative. After months of vocally advocating for a junior and senior prom, planning out details, and writing countless emails ourselves, a decision was made by upper management to form the Inaugural Virtual Academy Prom Planning Committee, consisting of faculty from the six Virtual Academies, as well as three student representatives: senior Polly Kruchinina of the Business and Entrepreneurship Academy, senior Najair Acuna of the Computer Science Academy, and I, then a junior at the Leadership and Public Service Academy.
Over the next few months, we held regular meetings, researched venues and vendors, and surveyed students. In May, we unveiled the official plan: May 17 at the Hilton Hotel in University City, with a “Hollywood Red Carpet” theme. Juniors and seniors could attend, and each student was allowed one guest under the age of 20.
To spread the word, I visited all high school Zoom classrooms — virtually walking the halls. I shared a registration form with a link to buy tickets, which cost $160 and covered the venue, food, and drinks. With no student store, prom was funded entirely through ticket sales.
Finally, the date of the prom, Saturday, May 17, arrived. I arrived at 5 p.m. to support faculty with preparation. More than 70 students attended, beginning to arrive after 6 p.m. It looked like any traditional prom. Many wore elegant dresses and suits of red, pink, and other colors. I donned a black suit with a white undershirt and red tie, as well as a couple of rings as accessories.
Many students were shy at first — for some, it was their first time seeing classmates or teachers in person — or even their first time at all, as cameras are usually off in Zoom classrooms as they are not mandatory. As the night went on, the atmosphere quickly became warm and welcoming. I already knew some students and many faculty, and came with my best friend.
A playlist of some recognizable songs but also some lesser-known tracks was played by the DJ. Students were able to make song requests, and there were certainly many. Throughout the night, students requested songs ranging from “Material Girl” by Madonna to Beyoncé hits to “HOT TO GO!” by Chappell Roan.
There was also a delicious buffet-style dinner menu, including buttery and smooth mashed potatoes, tender chicken and steak, pasta, salads, and garlicky asparagus. Drinks included soda and water, with chocolate cake and panna cotta for dessert. I only had one plate — my one regret!
There were also various games, including Jenga and blackjack, set up at tables throughout the ballroom to give students who may not have wanted to dance the opportunity to still connect, something that received strong positive feedback afterward.
The ballroom within the Hilton was decorated in red, black, and gold, matching the “Hollywood Red Carpet” theme. A red carpet backdrop offered a photo opportunity for students with props like crowns and sashes reading “Prom Queen” and “Prom King” — a substitute for a prom court where everyone could be prom queen and king instead.
A photo booth was also included in the ticket package, including fun props such as funny glasses and hats. According to our feedback survey, this was the highlight of the night for many students, and even faculty. It gave them a way to have a tangible collection of memories to look back on for life.
At 11 p.m., the prom came to an end. Students began to leave the ballroom and head home.
The Virtual Academy Prom Planning Committee met one last time to debrief. Members shared their thoughts on the night, which were unanimously positive with a few suggestions for next year, particularly involving student suggestions in creating a playlist. We also created a feedback survey. 40% of respondents indicated that the event met their expectations, while 60% said it exceeded them.
After months of planning, our dream became a reality. We gave students the chance to have an experience they otherwise would not have had, and a night to make memories and friends. I saw so many students at the start of the night who knew not a single person. By the end of the night, they were surrounded by new friends. Even I, someone who is not a fan of dancing, couldn’t help but step out of my comfort zone.
Now, future students will get that same chance.
