Principal Mark Robinson announced in a letter to parents on Tuesday, April 14 that Austin Independent School District (AISD) has canceled all proms and postponed all graduations until early August. 

AISD decided to take these actions due to the extension of the Stay Home – Work Safe orders by Austin Mayor Steve Adler until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 8. 

“We know how important the prom and graduation season is to our seniors, their families, and friends,” Robinson wrote in his announcement. “The COVID-19 pandemic, however, is causing changes to all aspects of our lives. Canceling proms now will allow school administrators to work with vendors to refund monies to students and families.” 

The new dates for graduation are still tentative and may change depending on the circumstances in Texas at the time. Bowie’s is currently scheduled for Wednesday, August 12 at 7 p.m.

“I see the good and the bad in it; I think that it is good that AISD postponed graduation because of safety purposes and trying to keep everyone healthy and safe,” senior Eric Larson said “It really sucks, but it’s just the reality of right now. I don’t think that it’s a bad idea but it’s definitely not a good one. I feel like it’s the only option for right now.”

In an effort to celebrate the end of senior year before the in-person graduation in August, the AISD High Schools Office is planning to host a virtual graduation around June 15, according to the newsletter. 

“I personally would not be the biggest fan of having a virtual graduation in June,” senior Emma Davis said. “Without getting to be there with my class, it truly would not be the same. However, if things go back to normal by August, I will be excited to have a postponed graduation ceremony.”

As a result of proms getting canceled all over the country, many seniors have found alternate ways to celebrate prom such as hosting virtual proms on Zoom and TikTok. 

“Prom being cancelled this year definitely makes me upset; however, I understand why it needed to be canceled,” Davis said. “Some of my friends and I have talked about having a mini-prom so we can get dressed up and have fun after the shelter in place order is lifted, but nothing has been set in stone yet.”