Nothing would be worse, for example,  than two ugly girls matched with one ugly boy. Hence, before the matching began I counted off the eighteen Class Queens, matched them with the nine least favored boys, so that at one point in their miserable lives they would experience what is called a social life.

Getting rid of the Queens who would, after two hours abandon their ‘computer date’ for their hunky football heroes, I pretty much let “science” take its course.

All I wanted to know is that Fat girls and Ugly girls, and Unpopular girls, would go to the Prom. Would have that night out; not out in a pity trip, but as part of an ‘experiment’.  That these girls would be at the Prom, not home, watching Marty and crying.

A few parents came up to school, not particularly happy about the experiment. Some had “religious” objections to the Prom, others didn’t want their child with someone they “didn’t know’. I explained that Limousines would pick up the students, carry them to the venue, which was a perfectly respectable hotel ball room, fully chaperoned. After two hours, they would fill out a questionnaire and be free to leave or remain with someone else. I invited the most distrusting parents to be chaperones.

A few parents, however, came up to school to thank me for ensuring that their child got to attend the Prom.

I can’t speak for everyone, all I know is that the entire Senior Class was at the Prom. And though there was the two hour splitting for many of the couples, at least every girl was there. If after their abandonment they cliqued together to enjoy the entertainment and refreshment, (and gossip about what others were wearing), at least they were there.

“This was a brilliant idea,” Eric the Math teacher said to me, softly adding, “I wish when I was in High School…” “You too?” I exclaimed, seeing him for the first time.

“You didn’t go to your Prom?” he gasped. “I’m there now,” I say, “Let’s dance.”