Vermont's Virtual Prom | #VTstrong
Vermont Public Radio is partnering with the Vermont Agency Of Education and Big Heavy World to produce a statewide radio prom for Vermont’s high school students on Saturday, May 30 at 7 p.m. The event is also sponsored by the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation.
Prom Goes #VTstrong will be hosted by Burlington-based DJ Craig Mitchell spinning his favorite hits and will also include audio messages and reflections recorded and submitted by students. Mitchell will host an online after party starting at 8 p.m. packed with more music and fun. Ben Cohen of Ben and Jerry’s, Tom Messner of Channel 5 News, Clever Girls, The Bubs, Boys Cruise, and Don Rico will also be making appearances and providing words of encouragement for students.
DJ Craig Mitchell at Big Heavy World.
The goal, for me,” says Mitchell, “is not to take the place of an in person prom but to take what is regarded by many as one of the shining moments at this point in their lives and to make it something different...something special...something that will be an event that they can talk about for the rest of their lives, while being a bright light in the midst of this all.”
“We are so excited to be providing this opportunity for Vermont students to celebrate, look back, and kick up their heels at the end of this year,” said Kari Anderson, director of programming at VPR. “It's important to have milestones that aren't just academic, but fun, too—and the beauty of holding your prom on the radio is that everyone can join in!”
The broadcast recording and virtual after party will be hosted from Big Heavy World’s headquarters in Burlington. We’ll also be hosting the MixCloud video viewable here once the stream begins.
“Craig Mitchell infuses our music community with talent and charm; it’s a privilege to play a role in bringing his good energy to the young adults of Vermont,” said James Lockridge, Executive Director of Big Heavy World. “They deserve a memorable night, and Craig knows how to prom!”
The program was developed alongside the Vermont Agency Of Education to help teens celebrate one of high school’s biggest moments from home, after schools were closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“The Agency Of Education is proud to partner with VPR to support Vermont students in celebrating this important moment in their lives,” said Secretary of Education Dan French.
In addition to this statewide prom, VPR is working with the Agency Of Education to provide live, interactive episodes of But Why for elementary school students on Fridays at 1 p.m. through June 19. VPR will also create end-of-year broadcasts to celebrate Vermont graduates.
Although audience members won’t be visible, we encourage you to put on your best dresses, suits, and corsages, and share photos with #VTstrong. Craig Mitchell and Big Heavy World also encourage you to listen with friends and family, but only if the gathering respects current orders: parties must be outside and include no more than 10 people.
Prom Schedule:
7:00 PM: start listening to VPR on the radio, online, or on MixCloud to see photos, videos, and memories submitted by high schoolers. This hour is pre-recorded
8:00 PM: PROMAGEDDON, also known as the after party, begins. These two hours are live, and will feature shoutouts from students and guests.
10:00 PM: event ends.
Text by Luke Vidic.