Press Releases
Zoom, PBS, WCNY to host ‘Better Late Than Never Prom,’ virtual prom experience for all high schools across the country
by
June 25, 2020
WCNY, Central New York’s flagship PBS Station, in partnership with Zoom Video Communications, Inc. and PBS stations across the country, is proud to announce the virtual “Better Late Than Never Prom,” live at 8 p.m. ET/PT Friday, June 26.
This year, 3.7 million American high school seniors missed their prom due to COVID-19 safeguards. WCNY, PBS, and Zoom stepped in to host a virtual prom event experience that will provide a safe space for students of all backgrounds to come together in solidarity and celebration of the Class of 2020.
Generously powered by Zoom’s technology, every high school in the country can join a national webinar, where the Class of 2020 can enjoy appearances from Gen Z’s favorite entertainers, YouTubers, and TikTokkers, including Chloe x Halle, Questlove, Skai Jackson, Tia Mowry, Chase Stokes (Outer Banks), Bob the Drag Queen, Tiagz, Olivia Munn, Sarah Schauer (TikTok), Kalen Allen (The Ellen DeGeneres Show), and more. There will also be musical performances from mxmtoon, Kiana Ledé, Duckwrth, Cyn, Laura Marano, and more. The prom will also feature cameo dance number by none other than Elmo and Jason Derulo. True to PBS form, the event will open with a short educational segment about the history of prom in the U.S.
Following the prom, students can join a virtual after-party, where they can sing and dance to musical performances from Austin City Limits, including sets by Ed Sheeran, Bilie Eilish, Khalid, and Sam Smith.
High schools around the country also have the option to host a virtual Zoom Webinar of their own, allowing them to customize the event with prom activities, such as crowning of their own prom king and queen, raffles and prizes, and speeches.
The “Better Late Than Never Prom” encourages students to share their experiences on social media with hashtag #PromNight2020. If a school cannot participate on June 26, it is welcome to use the video content to host its prom on another date.
To learn more about the prom and access the national Zoom webinar, visit wcny.org/prom.
About WCNY
WCNY is Central New York’s community-owned public media company. Its educational services include the TV Classroom Network, Enterprise America, a fiscal literacy program; and career courses in media and technology.
About Zoom
Zoom Video Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZM) brings teams together to get more done in a frictionless and secure video environment. Our easy, reliable, and innovative video-first unified communications platform provides video meetings, voice, webinars, and chat across desktops, phones, mobile devices, and conference room systems. Zoom helps enterprises create elevated experiences with leading business app integrations and developer tools to create customized workflows. Founded in 2011, Zoom is headquartered in San Jose, California, with offices around the world. Visit zoom.com and follow @zoom_us.
About Dini von Mueffling Communications
DVMC is an award-winning PR and marketing firm, having most recently received four Webbys for its work with Sandy Hook Promise and Monica Lewinsky. It is the recipient of 15 Cannes Lions and won PR Week’s Global Impact award in 2018. It donated its services to PBS, securing all the talent for the event.
◄ Back to News
