Students from Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy enjoy their in-person prom at Shelby Gardens Banquets and Events May 12. The prom was an opportunity for classmates who usually see each other virtually to socialize.
By: Kara Szymanski | Shelby-Utica News | Published May 22, 2023
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Have you ever wondered what a prom looks like for a 100% virtual school?
Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy, a 100% virtual school, recently hosted one of the milestone moments of their students’ high school years — prom.
From 6 to 10 p.m. May 12, the school welcomed more than 90 students from across the state to Shelby Gardens Banquets and Events on Van Dyke Avenue in Shelby Township for an evening of singing and dancing. Students enjoyed a dinner and sweets throughout the night, as well photos at a backdrop matching the prom’s theme of “Enchanted Lakes.”
This year’s prom was even more special because students worked alongside the school’s staff to make it inclusive for all. Unlike a traditional prom, which often comes with many expenses, students were encouraged to “come as formal or as informal as you want” so everyone felt welcomed.
Heather Kapusta, a U.S. history teacher at Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy, said many students attended prom in the past, but some had to miss it because of travel.
“Since then, we’ve been able to expand it so more students can attend. This year, we hosted two proms, one in Shelby and one in Kentwood. Having multiple events across the state ensures that everyone gets a chance to attend and be a part of this important milestone moment,” she said in an email.
She said prom increases the connection students have with the school and their classmates.
“Students are used to seeing their classmates in our live sessions, so finally getting to meet them in person is a very exciting moment. Many of our students also return to class and share their experiences with their peers, getting those who haven’t been able to attend excited for when they can,” she said.
She said some students have been fortunate to have already met one another.
“Our school has various clubs and social activities, which include in-person events, so many will be reconnecting with friends they’ve already built strong relationships with,” she said.
Maria Tilmos, a geometry teacher at Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy, said this is just one of many events that the school hosts in person.
“We have hosted monthly gatherings to encourage students to get to know their peers and teachers since I started teaching here in 2017. Of course, during the main part of the COVID stay-at-home order, we had to get creative and, instead, began offering monthly virtual sessions that allowed students to connect socially. Today, we do a bit of both, allowing students to participate in whatever way is most comfortable for them,” she said in an email interview.
She said she has chaperoned the school’s prom several times.
“Because the event is open to both juniors and seniors, many of our juniors will establish relationships with new friends that they can take into their senior year and beyond. Some of our students have met at other monthly face-to-face events. Some just met in April, during State Testing season. But, some have never had the opportunity to meet and have only interacted with one another virtually,” said Tilmos.
Marissa Lukasiewicz, a junior at Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy, said she had always looked forward to attending prom.
“I love that I’m able to learn the way that works best for me but still given the opportunity to participate in outside events. Having the opportunity to meet with classmates around my area and in my grade is great! It gives us even more opportunities to get to know each other,” Lukasiewicz said via email.
She said she had met some of her classmates and teachers briefly in person during state testing, but this was the first event where they were able to socialize.
Aleah Charbonneau, a junior at Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy, said that as a virtual school student, the opportunity to attend an in-person prom is important.
“I’m not missing out on what could be one of the most memorable parts of my high school career. I have the opportunity to meet and connect with my classmates as well as possibly make new friends,” she said via email.
She said she just transferred to the school a few months ago, so she hadn’t met that many people yet.