A Night to Remember

One Pali High Family Finds a Way to Bring Prom Home to Their Student

By LILY TINOCO | Reporter

The end of the school year marks a set of milestones—especially for high school seniors who look forward to prom, graduation and all that lies ahead.

But the novel coronavirus has left campuses closed, students confined to distance learning and graduating students unsure about celebrating these milestones traditionally.

Palisades Charter High School senior Jared La Violette was crushed upon learning prom was canceled.

“I was devastated, I’m not going to lie,” Jared said to the Palisadian-Post. “I thought that there was no prom and I couldn’t experience prom my last year in high school.”

His family was determined to find a solution.

MoNesha La Violette, Jared’s mother, found a way to bring prom to him and put together a socially distant prom, with a turnout of roughly 40 cars full of family and friends.

“We really wanted to do something special and not have the day go unnoticed,” MoNesha explained. “We had to get creative and see what we can do … figure out ways to connect and still bond and celebrate and still be safe, and this was a way to do that.”

The at-home prom was on Saturday, May 16—the date Pali High’s prom was originally slated to take place.

On top of the car parade, the celebration included a DJ, red carpet and royal court with golden thrones for Jared and his prom date.

“It was amazing … everyone circled around the block, honking their horns, showing us love,” Jared said. “I think it was, in my opinion, better than actual prom.”

MoNesha added that the family had gone through a rough year, with a family loss and difficult diagnoses.

“The magnitude of suffering we have endured is unbelievable, but we are warriors and we believe in carrying on,” MoNesha said to the Post. “This prom gave us a reason to celebrate and we refused to let one more thing be taken from us.”

With graduation around the corner, MoNesha said it’s going to be bittersweet letting her youngest child go.

“Jared is my last baby so, I have to admit, I’m having a hard time,” MoNesha said. “This has been the first opportunity that he and I have had where he has not had to share me with his older siblings … and it’s been fun, watching him play football and hit all these milestones.

“I’m going to miss being able to hang out with him the way that we’ve been able to lately but … I know he’s going to be successful in whatever he does.”

Jared added that he’s excited to graduate: “June 4, 2020 … I’m waiting for it.”

Following graduation, Jared will be attending El Camino College in Torrance, continuing football. He is currently #8 on Pali High’s football team.