Greater Latrobe plans in-person prom with outdoor Grand March

Greater Latrobe Senior High School is planning an in-person prom at an entertainment complex that will allow for social distancing.

The school board learned at its Tuesday meeting that the prom is scheduled for May 21 at Zone 28, a 50,000-square-foot entertainment venue in Harmarville.

The complex offers such activities as laser tag, bowling, arcade games and an escape room.

“There are all kinds of different activities so we can keep students socially distanced and allow them to have a good time, instead of dancing,” said high school Principal Jon Mains. “We’re trying to do some different things, within the restrictions. We’ll be following all the (pandemic health) guidelines.”

Students will have a meal at Zone 28. A current advisory on the venue’s website indicates that customers must wear masks, except when eating and drinking, and are to maintain 6 feet of social distance.

Plans are to have the Grand March outdoors, either at Rossi Field, near the high school, or in downtown Latrobe at Memorial Stadium, Mains said. He noted details were yet to be finalized.

The students will board motor coaches with air filtration systems for the trip to Harmarville, he said.

Superintendent Georgia Teppert reported that “all is going well” at district schools, where students have the option of attending in-person classes five days per week.

She reported 3,030 students are receiving instruction at school, while 524 have elected for online remote learning.

With temperatures rising into the 60s this week, she said, “The nice weather gives an extra opportunity for our students to be outside more and to eat lunch outside as well.”

As of Tuesday, Greater Latrobe reported three covid-19 cases at the senior high and none at its other schools, according to a dashboard display on the district website.