When the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancelation of the 2019-2020 school year, that meant all extra-curricular activities were also canceled, including proms, in Newark and around New Jersey.
Don't tell the Daissa Dereme that she can't have a prom. She had one anyway, sort of.
The Arts High School Drama Major honor student and Newark South Ward resident thought of ways where she could still feel the elegance of prom that she would never have the chance to attend.
Prom is the last final party before graduation, and most of the dresses are bought and tuxedos are rented before spring break. In New Jersey and around the globe, the virus outbreak forced the cancellation of school in early March, and students were left with formal dresses and tuxes without a party.
For Daissa, she really looked forward to the prom and decided to recreate the event minus the limo, luxurious catering hall, and glamourous party decorations.
It was just Daissa, her family, good food -cooked by mom-, her back yard for pictures and her baby nephew as her date.
The 2019-2020 Arts High School prom was set for Wednesday, June 17.
School and Newark Board of Education officials didn't go against the social distancing rules set by the Centers for Disease Control and "shelter in place" health safety home confinement ordered by Governor Phil Murphy.
Just like any other gala, Daissa's well planned even was absolutely an occasion to remember forever. Well, it was half of a prom. She did get her makeup done, wore a beautiful navy blue fitted dress, posed for pictures in the yard and had an excellent Haitian cuisine meal prepared by mom.
There was no loud music or dancing.
"It was really fun to get to get dressed and still get to have the prom experience even if it was different," Daissa said.
She will exit Arts High School with an untraditional and a 'first of its kind' virtual graduation ceremony broadcasted live from the school's auditorium by the Television Production Department and their majors beginning at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 18, 2020.
Daissa holds a current GPA of 4.214 and is headed to The College of New Jersey in Ewing, with full tuition paid. She will study Early Childhood Education and English.
Daissa is the co-captain of the Arts High Speech Team, works a part-time job in Harrison NJ, attended Pathways to College, and is active in Arts High's musical theater.
According to school officials, in 2019, Daissa -with school teammate Aljanod Parrish- were among the top 24 "Duo Speech" competitors in the United States of America.
"I just want to be successful in my life and provide for my family. I want to help those I need," she said. "I want to give thanks to my parents, Principal Mr. Pedro, Vice Principal of Visual and Performing Arts Ms. Gorman, Senior English Teacher Ms. Brooks-Chipp (BC) and Drama teachers Ms. Dones and Mr. Gonzales."
New Jersey, we introduce you to Ms. Daissa Dereme of Newark, New Jersey.