No matter the circumstances, the ways of uniting as a community last forever, even if they happen to be virtually. Two of Xavier High School’s long-lasting traditions, prom and senior retreat, took place virtually in the month of May because of the global pandemic. 

Prom was held Saturday, May 2, and the livestream was shared on Xavier’s Facebook and school website. It included a virtual grand march, the coronation of the prom king and queen, chances to win prizes from donors and sponsors and a Zoom dance party. Mrs. Ally Callanan, Ms. Angela Olson, Mr. Nick Ireland, Mr. Jerry Brown and DJ Commando were all involved in making this night special for the Xavier community. 

“I would just like to thank the Xavier community for all of the involvement and hype that people brought to the table to make the virtual prom so fun,” Mrs. Callanan said. “Thank you also to all of our donors and sponsors who helped make the post prom party a success. It wasn’t the prom we started out planning, but it was a prom that we will never forget.”

One of the biggest moments of the night was revealing the prom king and queen: Nick Fischer and Cate Tucker. The two were voted for by the senior class and sashes, a crown and a tiara were delivered to them the day of prom. The entire prom court was able to have sashes and decorated driveways thanks to the post prom committee.

Another long-lasting Xavier tradition took place in the month of May virtually: the senior retreat. The senior retreat took place Monday, May 4 through Friday, May 8. Mrs. Jody Esker, Mrs. Erica Ireland, Mrs. Jaclyn Richmond and Fr. Dustin Vu planned the retreat and Mr. Tom Keating presented a talk Friday evening on Zoom. Seniors were emailed on Monday with activities to do for each day of the week. Some of the activities were a faculty words of wisdom video and alumni advice from Kyle Krezek (X19) and Hannah Dake (X19). The retreat was a way for the seniors to reminisce about high school, but also look towards the future. 

“Usually when May happens, the seniors are so busy…this year things are not quite as busy and hopefully the seniors took this time to use some of the activities to really reflect in preparation for the next chapter of their lives,” Mrs. Esker said. 

Even in this uncertain time, seniors will continue to have more opportunities to end their high school experience united as the Class of 2020, even if it cannot be physically together. Because in the end, these are all timeless traditions.