Prom or Passover?

There is a dilemma for Jewish students who attend Lake Mary and Lyman high schools in Seminole County. Both schools scheduled their senior proms for April 12, the first night of Passover.

Noelle Rivers, parent of a Lake Mary student, said her daughter came home upset, saying she has to weigh going to prom or being home with the family for Passover.

Karin Barth, mother of a Lyman freshman, said “no student should have to choose between celebrating their faith and enjoying an important event like prom. Teenagers look forward to prom as a chance to have fun with their friends and share in the same experiences as their classmates. By scheduling it on Passover, we’re forcing Jewish students into a corner, making them feel excluded from the broader school community.”

Barth was deeply disappointed to learn that prom is scheduled on the night of Passover. “[It’s] one of the most significant holidays in our faith,” she said. “Passover is more than just a holiday—it’s a cornerstone of Jewish identity, symbolizing freedom and resilience. The Seder is a time for families to come together, to remember our history and celebrate our faith.”

The prom isn’t scheduled for that date for every high school in the county. For example, Oviedo High School scheduled their prom for April 26 and Winter Springs High School’s prom is planned for April 5.

The scheduling of events is decided by each school based on several factors, according to Katherine Crnkovich, communications officer for Seminole County Public Schools. “Each school decides it based on several factors such as testing schedules, when spring break falls, grad bash, when seniors are wrapped up, etc.,” she explained.

School calendars scheduled a year in advance

Crnkovich also said that the school calendars are typically selected a year in advance. However, Jewish Community Relations Committee member Eric Trabin told a news network that the Jewish Community Relations Council sent key dates of Jewish holidays for the next 10 years to Orange and Seminole counties.

Can schools change the dates? “Dates are difficult to change as they involve contracts with venues,” Crnkovich said. “There are limited venues that can host events such as a prom.”

One parent who wished not to be named said that she found five other venues that could host the proms of these two school on a different date.

Sandi Groberg, the grandmother of a Lake Mary High School student, said the school board should “be mindful of the holidays.”

Can schools change the date of a scheduled event? According to Crnkovich, “students and parents can always share their thoughts with our school principals so they are aware of any potential issues ahead of scheduling events.” 

Very concerned, Barth did speak with the principal of Lyman High School and informed him that she will be providing a list of all Jewish holidays for the upcoming school year. She also plans to attend the school board meeting regarding next year’s school calendar events and raise her concerns and provide them with all the holiday dates.

“Later in the school year, the principal and I will be in touch to ensure there are no scheduling conflicts with Jewish holidays. If there are any conflicts, I will request that he bring the issue to the school board right away for swift resolution,” Barth stated.

Rivers said that contacting the school board is like hitting a brick wall.

Prom date chosen by students last fall?

Groberg said the date for the prom was selected last fall by the student government. Rivers asked if there was anyone from the administration who oversaw the students’ choice of April 12? Were students aware that April 12 is the first night of Passover? Rivers suggested that a school adviser should have overseen the student government’s selection of April 12. After all, it’s the school administration that pays for the venue, she said.

Crnkovich stated that they did not know that Passover is on the same day. “This was not intentional. Every effort is made to be mindful of any religious or significant days when scheduling events, however, it is not always possible to avoid an event falling on one of these days.” 

“The issue of school events and activities falling on important Jewish holidays is a constant issue that comes up each and every single year,” Trabin said. “It is an oversight that continues to happen year after year.”

If the school’s calendar is an issue every year in one way or another, then Jewish parents should speak up every year.

“How will we get anything done if no one speaks up?” asked Rivers. “If we don’t speak up for ourselves, no one else will.”

Barth had more to say on the subject, “Since the attack on Israel that began in October of 2023, Jewish students have been under immense stress, dealing with not just the news abroad but also the rising tide of antisemitism here at home.

“In times like these, it’s more important than ever for our schools to foster a sense of belonging and respect for all students. Moving the prom date wouldn’t just be about a calendar conflict—it would ensure that Jewish students don’t feel isolated or left out. It’s a small gesture that would have sent a powerful message of inclusion.”

Speaking for the whole Jewish community, Barth continued, “The Jewish parents of this community are asking the school board and schools to prioritize respect, inclusion, and understanding when planning school events in coming years. This is not just for our children, but for the values we want our schools to stand for. Our children deserve to celebrate their milestones without being forced to choose between participating in cherished school traditions and honoring their religious heritage. We urge a thoughtful and proactive approach to scheduling that prevents these conflicts year after year.”