On May 2, more than 500 senior students got the chance to celebrate virtual prom over an Instagram Live and participate in a rite of passage, albeit remotely. 

Students participated in virtual prom through the Instagram Live with featured music and dancing, a digital red carpet with celebrity appearances such as Netflix’s Logan Allen and actor Max Jenkins the event was DJed by Jazzy Jeff. 

People who participated signed in to Instagram and streamed the event on their phones and computers. Some groups attended ‘together’ via Zoom.

The hosts of the virtual prom were Hannah Lucas, 18, a senior at South Forsyth High School in Forsyth County Georgia, and her brother Charlie Lucas. The siblings reached out to celebrities on social media and eventually contacted Ivy McGregor, the CEO of IvyINK and Beyonce’s director of social responsibility, offered to help. They also worked with Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, who helped with fundraising. 

The total amount was $40,000 in cash that students could use for tuition, books, laptops, internet access, therapy, or other things. Other companies such as Sebastian Professional and Pandora Jewelry sent out virtual hair tutorials and jewelry packages.