Prom age limit creates tension
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However, Warren County High School principal James Bennett says he is simply enforcing what has been a long-standing policy.
?It?s always been 21 and under, and that goes back to the George Bolding administration,? said Bennett when asked about the prom age limit. ?The prom is intended for high school students. A lot of high schools don?t allow outsiders at all for these type of activities and we?re allowing it all the way to 21. There are rules to everything and this is one of our rules.?
Parents say they understand rules must be enforced, but there is apparent confusion about what the age limit is because it?s not stated in the school handbook. They say they were just informed about two weeks ago that anyone over 21 will not be allowed to attend the prom, which is scheduled for April 28.
?There has to be an age limit and I understand that,? said parent Christy Barnes. ?If they want to set an age limit, that?s fine with me. But they need to be consistent. It?s not right to allow people over 21 to go to the Homecoming and Christmas dances, then decide at the last minute it?s not OK for them to attend the prom.?
Barnes says she doesn?t mind that her daughter, Amanda, has a boyfriend who is 22. They had planned to attend the prom together and Amanda purchased a $300 dress before being informed of the age restrictions.
The school board has called a special meeting this Monday at 6 p.m. to listen to concerns. The meeting will take place at the central office on Morrison Street.
Larry York won?t be able to attend the meeting because he has an out-of-town business trip he can?t reschedule. But he wants to make his feelings known as the father of an 18-year-old who wants to take his 22-year-old girlfriend to the prom.
?These kids get ready for the prom so far in advance, I?m definitely against this type of decision coming down at the last minute,? said York. ?What I don?t understand is why they will let a 14-year-old attend the prom with a senior, but they won?t let a senior attend with a 22-year-old.?