Spring is upon us and brings with it the high school tradition of prom. Prom should be a fun-filled social gathering but the hype and expectations that revolve around this event are often overshadowed by anxiety and a sense of failure for some students. I challenge the progressive student body of U. City to confront some of the prom myths and traditions that set up too many students for disappointment.

Number one on the anxiety list is “the date.” The pressure to couple up is such that students may skip prom if they don’t have the wherewithal to invite someone or the good fortune to be asked. Suspecting your potential date judges your looks harshly may prevent students from attending prom. Not to say everyone is that shallow, but I believe we live in a superficial society. Let’s make prom a welcoming event that does not focus on appearances.

Views of prom are typically archaic in the eyes of our parents. However, nowadays girls might ask guys, music is louder, and the dancing is much changed from the past. The changes that encourage inclusion should be embraced by our student body. Students attending prom alone or with a group should feel as comfortable as those going as a traditional couple.

Until the nineties, proms were seen as a rite of passage. Now it seems some social groups are reluctant to attend because only popular students organize proms without representation from the student body. Perhaps prom should be delegated to committees formed by representatives from all extracurricular activities and clubs. A broad spectrum of ideas could bring some new twists to prom traditions and make it a more memorable event.

An unfortunate barrier to prom attendance is money. Tickets, designer gown, limo, and elegant before-prom dinner can easily make this a night that costs $500 or more. Prom should be special with well-dressed students but there is nothing gained by going overboard. A hefty price tag excludes many prom hopefuls. Students who enjoy the chance try formal outfits should not belittle those who dress nicely on a more limited budget. Perhaps we should resurrect an old prom tradition of a decorated gym instead of a high-priced downtown venue. Our creative talent might outshine the swank of pretend wealth.

Finally we come to the seamy underbelly of the prom experience. Some view this as a night for alcohol and unintended, and often unprotected, sexual initiation. These behaviors can destroy young lives of enormous potential. Drinking, drugs and deflowering can put the damper on an otherwise fun night.

Prom can be a fun and memorable night but is not the be-all and end-all experience of high school. U. City should take it to a new level. Celebrate the good traditions, reject stupidity, and innovate to welcome more students to participate in this experience.