WANAQUE, N.J. — According to NewYorkCBSLocal.com, a high school in New Jersey plans to outlaw traditional rides to the senior prom. The high school wants to ban rides to the prom provided by limousines, fancy cars, and party buses in favor of a school chaperoned bus ride. The school chaperoned bus ride will go directly […]
WANAQUE, N.J. — According to NewYorkCBSLocal.com, a high school in New Jersey plans to outlaw traditional rides to the senior prom. The high school wants to ban rides to the prom provided by limousines, fancy cars, and party buses in favor of a school chaperoned bus ride. The school chaperoned bus ride will go directly from the high school to the prom venue, and back after the prom is over. An approximately 45-minute drive separates the school and venue. Proponents of the idea believe this is the safest option for the student and is the most equitable. As expected, the measure has garnered fierce opposition from students and even some parents.
The superintendent of the Lakeland Regional High School offered a less expensive alternative to the traditional fancy cars and stretch limos. The alternative is taking a school-sponsored school bus from the school to the prom site and back. The cost for each student will be a reasonable $15.00 according to autoevolution.com.
The proposal could be in response to the catastrophic limo crash in upstate New York in late 2018 that killed 20 people. That crash was attributed to a limousine that was in disrepair and should not have been on the road. Additionally, a ride provided by the school will limit teenage drinking. Students would be deterred from consuming alcohol or drugs on a school bus operated by the school. Additionally, the mandatory school bus ride will limit the seniors’ chance to head to after-hours establishments in the area. In other words, the school will try to control the students to the most significant extent possible.
Students and parents, on the other hand, think the tradition of going in style to the last formal event of one’s high school experience is a right of passage that should not be disturbed. Prom-goers get to be celebrities for a night, and it is an event which many young people anticipate with great excitement, regardless of the expense. A meeting will be held on March 12 to discuss the plans further.