It is disrespectful

Jiwoo Park

When Northwood’s prom theme was revealed as “The Great Gatsby” on NTV, students smiled at its recreation of Jay Gatsby raising a toast at his lavish mansion party. But, while the Roaring Twenties are remembered for their glamour, hosting prom at Mission San Juan Capistrano risks allowing celebratory moments to overshadow the harm and injustice done on its grounds to Native Americans.

California missions have erased Native culture, a lesser-taught part of its history. They were the base for Spanish settler-colonists in the 18th and early 19th century, expanding their influence as they put Natives into hard labor, importing livestock that replaced traditional food sources and replacing their religions with Catholicism.

In 2017, California introduced a revised fourth grade “Mission Unit” to replace an older, sugar-coated version of missions’ history. Nonetheless, many students—especially those who didn’t spend their childhood in California—don’t retain or fully learn this perspective. Although individual students do not choose prom venues, they must understand that holding prom at a mission reframes the mission in student’s minds as a mostly positive space.

For many T-wolves, this prom was a memorable highlight of their high school experience. Although the mission’s architecture and landscaping created a beautiful setting to hold a grand event, students should be careful not to unconditionally praise the mission site as a prom venue when its history has many dark pages.

Prom was still a night of carefree, youthful fun and something precious that more should enjoy in Northwood’s competitive environment. Now that it’s over, though, it’s important that T-wolves take away this: Don’t use culturally sensitive places as dance venues.

It is a smart choice

Luccia Gorokhovsky

There is no denying that the California missions were originally created by the Spanish Catholics with the goal of Catholicizing the Indigenous people, usually using inhuman methods. Acknowledging that fact over 200 years later does not mean Northwood should have avoided using the space as a prom venue. Rather, it is an opportunity for students to engage and learn from California’s complex history. As long as students approached the event with awareness and respect, holding Northwood’s prom at the Mission San Juan Capistrano was valid, especially given its cost-effective aspects and the opportunity for learning.

Outside of being a snapshot of history, the mission hosts numerous functions, including religious events, weddings and high school dances—so Northwood’s was nothing new. The mission is an exclusive location that is only available for rent through an event planner.

ASB director Jennifer Petrosian and Junior Class Council advisor Keonie Yu choose the prom location every year. This year, the mission was picked for its outdoor appearance and its ambience, all complementing this year’s prom theme: “The Great Gatsby.”

Typically the venue is one of the biggest expenses when planning a prom, with costs ranging anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000. According to Petrosian, it was the most cost-effective option available.

“This [event planner] is really the best bang for the buck,” Petrosian said. “He gives us the most activities inside of the event for the best price.”

Additionally, all of Mission San Juan Capistrano’s revenue from its membership program, corporate and special events, especially weddings, go to repairing and restoring the mission itself, according to the mission.

Some were concerned about holding a celebratory event in a place that is strongly tied to the violent treatment of Indigenous peoples during colonization, and that is valid.

Now that prom has passed, it’s important to for us to recognize both the mission’s significance and past. Ultimately, it is most important to ensure that we remain aware, respectful and open-minded moving forward.

A healthy society learns how to thoughtfully engage with places of complex histories. Holding prom at Mission San Juan Capistrano should be seen as an opportunity for awareness, not an act of ignorance.

All artwork by Sophia Paredes.