MOLINE, Ill. — Dresses, corsages and plenty of pictures — this party has all the hallmarks of a high school prom aboard the Celebration Belle.
But the students aboard on Friday, May 3 are about to graduate from Augustana College.
This senior class, including student Maggie Kotowski, graduated high school in 2020, meaning they missed out on traditions like prom due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I never had a prom, like a lot of people in my class," Kotowski said. "I actually got my prom dress my senior year of high school. March 11 is when it came, so I remember trying it on and then being so excited, then hearing it was over."
But thanks to planning from students like Ayo David, co-director for the Multicultural Programming Board, they're making up for lost celebrations — and not just senior prom.
"Augustana has this tradition for first years where they have a boat experience during Welcome Week, and we couldn't have that either because of COVID," David said.
By combining those experiences, prom-goers are getting dinner, drinks and raffle prizes. Another senior, Allison Olenek, is getting one last hurrah before graduation.
"I'm very grateful. Initially I wasn't in love with Augustana, but now looking back at it I'm so thankful I went here," Olenek said. "I couldn't imagine life without them and without this school."
With adult life on the horizon, it's a night to be as carefree as a high schooler.
"I'm just glad this event was able to happen," David said. "And I hope everyone has a good time, because that's all I wanted, was for everyone to have a good time."
In just three weeks, these students will be graduating from Augustana College.
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