MCHS Changes Prom Court Voting

This year Madison Consolidated High School decided to make a bold move. MCHS changed how their prom court is elected by switching to a fundraiser system instead of a vote. All of this year’s candidates applied for the competition instead of being chosen. After the application process, the winner is chosen by who raised the most money for the fundraiser of their choiceThis year’s queen candidates are Courtney Abbott, Abigail Stidham, Miah Dryden. The king candidates are Bryce Teater, Hunter Liter, Keith Sikes, and Sam Brumfield. The princess candidates are Lydia Wright and Katlynn Casper. The prince candidate is Anthony Ayler.

This change is causing a stir among our seniors and juniors. 

One of last year’s prom nominees from last year, Adam Norris, weighed in. “I think that the spirit of the event is gone, but along with truly questioning what it means to be “popular,” I think of the year Jed Carter won king. When he was announced the victor, the populous of the school seemed genuinely happy due to the fact that Jed was well respected amongst his peers. This is what I think is the definition of what makes the former system work, the fact that everyone gets a say as to who they feel best represents the ideals of their class.”

The change to some extent seems to be misunderstood by most, but at the same time the donation system does restrict the voice of students that cannot donate. This also drastically increases the sway of any one entity that can donate a large sum.

MCHS Prom Adviser Mr. Aaron Kelsey for 2018 has previously commented on the lack of student response in the voting process.

Kelsey also said, “I thought it was time to update the way the Prom Court was selected and how the prom royalty was chosen. In the past it has been a popular vote by name recognition. I have had several students through the years talk about how they didn’t even know the people they were voting for; they just had heard the name. So, in an effort to change a “me” mindset into a “we” mindset, we chose to have the prom royalty decided upon by how much money they raise for the charity of their choice. This shifts the focus onto worthwhile causes, and the students who want to work towards a charitable cause could apply to be on prom court. So far we have received very positive feedback from the community.”