It’s been a difficult year for the junior and senior classes at Chester Academy. But they will have a shot at normalcy with the swab of two COVID-19 tests.

"This is definitely the most normal thing that’s happened to us in the last year," said Caroline Farrell, a junior at Chester Academy.

Farrell is the student council president. Between school work and sports, she found time to fight for her and her fellow Hambletonians to have prom this year.

She and other students proposed a plan for a COVID-safe prom with testing and social distancing protocols in place to keep everyone safe. In order to attend prom this year, everyone had to get tested for COVID before the big night.

"We lost a lot this year, so I think making prom possible and doing this test, we were willing to have the test today and make it all possible for tonight," said Farrell.

"Especially after not having a prom last year, it would have been really disappointing if the kids couldn’t have this for themselves this year," said Chester Academy Principal John Flanagan. "They’ve worked hard this year. We've asked them to be home and on computer screens. There were times we were open, there were times we were on remote instruction. They’ve done everything we’ve asked. This is something that we can do and we can do safely."

Horizon Medical Group facilitated the two-step testing required for entry to the prom. All attendees who were not fully vaccinated were required to take a PCR test on Monday, and a few days later, a rapid antigen test on the morning of prom.

Once they received their results, students could finally relax and enjoy the fun that comes with prom. Farrell and her friends met up at Greenwood Lake with their families to take those quintessential prom pics — special moments they missed out on last year.

"I'm very excited, of course, for tonight. I feel very relieved that now it's finally happening," said Farrell. "I'm really happy all the tests came back negative today and that we can just have a good time, not worry about COVID, and just have some sense of normalcy compared to last year."

Students were asked to stay in socially distanced pods for the event.

Farrell's group of friends traveled together to prom and were allowed to dance and mingle within their pod. Students were also asked to keep their masks on, except when seated or eating.