South Butler County School District officials are praying for dry weather one month from now, so seniors can have a ball at their prom.

The school board on Wednesday evening unanimously approved holding the senior prom on the tennis courts May 7.

Superintendent David Foley said administrators have been discussing prom options for months, and settled on the tennis courts due to the ability for students and staff to practice social distancing.

A disc jockey and hypnotists will entertain students, but no food will be served to prevent students from removing their masks, which will be required for the entire event.

“I'm just hopeful we can all get along with those ground rules, so we can have a good time,” Foley said.

Foley said the fenced-in courts measure 16,000 square feet, so the expected 250 students, dates and staff can be accommodated safely.

While Foley and his team initially planned to allow only Knoch students to attend, it was confirmed that seniors will be permitted to bring dates from outside the district as long as they follow district policy.

The prom walk will be held beforehand in the stadium, and will resemble commencement because couples will walk in on the track and proceed in front of relatives in the stands.

Foley said the bleacher section should be large enough to hold anyone who wants to attend the prom walk.

After the prom walk, students will proceed directly to the tennis courts to enjoy prom.

All those attending prom will have their temperature checked and will go through metal detectors, Foley said.

Tents will be set up on one side of the tennis courts in case of rain, he said.

Regarding commencement, the ceremony has been scheduled for May 28.

Foley said the date will not be moved.

“I know a lot of families have people coming in from out of town,” he said.

Foley said the district is trying to keep students safe while providing a memorable prom and commencement.

“We are doing the best we can under these circumstances,” he said. “I hope everyone has a great time and I hope we'll be safe.”

Donna Eakin, school board president, told Foley she is aware of the work Foley and other administrators have put into scheduling a safe and enjoyable prom for Knoch High seniors.

“Thank you for your time and consideration and for being able to get something together for these students to celebrate their last year of school,” Eakin said.