COLUMBIA, S.C. — The West Columbia South Carolina Stake recently hosted a prom for Mormon youths 16-18.
Like a school prom, this was a formal event, but there were no bare shoulders or plunging necklines. The music was clean, and the dancing was appropriate. It is important to the youths to be able to attend activities that are fun and wholesome, and Latter-day Saint youths also want to meet other kids who share their standards.
Jacob Bowen, of North Charleston, S.C., said, \"I'm glad the church did this. I'm able to meet worthy, wholesome girls with my standards. I chose to attend this prom instead of my school prom. I know the standards there are lower, and I'm just not comfortable with that.\"
Many of the youths who attended the prom on April 30 were already familiar with each other, which made it more comfortable to dance and have fun.
Abby Meldau, of Lexington, S.C., said, \"Church prom is fun. You don't have to worry about the music. You already sort of know everyone, which makes it less awkward.\"
Meldau's date also appreciated the high standards the church sets, saying, \"The girls are more modest. I can have fun without being uncomfortable.\"
For several years, the West Columbia Stake has provided a church prom, but this was the first year so many youths had been invited.
The prom was held at the downtown Columbia Hilton hotel, and youths traveled from as far away as North Charleston to attend.