Prom with virus protocols still sweet for Clark County studentsSubscriber Exclusive

By Meg Wochnick, Columbian staff writer

Published: May 28, 2021, 6:01am

6 Photos

Colorful lights illuminate the gym at Fort Vancouver High School as students keep their distance while enjoying music, dancing and time with friends at the 2021 prom May 22. Some Clark County school districts did not permit traditional proms this spring for a second consecutive year because of COVID-19 safety restrictions. Others forged ahead this spring doing modified events or parent-driven pop-up proms not sponsored by schools. (Photos by Amanda Cowan The Columbian) Photo Gallery

Jamie Ueda wasn’t about to miss a time-honored high school tradition of prom — even if a mask concealed her carefully applied makeup and no high heels were allowed on Fort Vancouver High School’s gymnasium floor.

“I wanted it to be perfect,” the senior said. “I got the dress I wanted, and it took forever to do my hair.

“I wanted to come for the experience.”

That experience is prom with an asterisk, COVID-19-style.