Beekmantown to modify after-prom party

By Leah Reid Breyette
The Prom Committee at Beekmantown Central School has decided upon a few changes to their annual after-prom party in May. The after-prom party, which was first held in 2007, is a fun and safe way for students who want to continue their fun after the prom is over. The party, which is held at the school, is an alternative to attending an after-prom party at a residence involving drinking and other unsafe behavior. Teacher Kathy Fuller says the after-prom party has a lot to offer, and now that some changes are under way, the students’ experiences will hopefully be more memorable than ever before.
“There is something for everyone to enjoy at the party. We have everything from a bouncy house to free massages. This year, we are planning on offering even more fun activities, such as a human sticky wall and a bungee-trampoline. These are activities that students wouldn’t normally do, which make them even more enjoyable.”
However, the fun doesn’t stop at the new activities. The school is also increasing the amount of prizes and giveaways that students are automatically signed up for, just by attending the party. According to parent Sheila Bull, the prizes should be enough incentive for every student to attend.”We usually have about 25 drawings throughout the evening, but this year, we’re hoping to bring that number to about 35. We give away big-ticket items, like iPods and gift certificates. We’ve also given away a car every year, which will hopefully happen this year, too. We really want every student to attend, and these giveaways definitely help with the number that do.”
The amount of activities and prizes on the rise for this year’s party calls for a greater number amount of funds and volunteers, but according to parent Lacy Rivers, finding these will not be difficult.
“Most of the funding for this party is done by community donation. The amount of money most of our community members donate to this was surprising to me at first, but I guess it’s because they care about the safety of our kids just as much as we do. Last year, we raised the majority of our money just by donations.”
Teacher Linda DiStefano adds that finding volunteers to help host the party is never a difficult task, either.
“We have parents and siblings of students of all ages helping us out each year. Some of these parents have students that graduated years ago from this school, and they still volunteer their time at the parties- we just see it as their way of giving back and saying thank you for giving these kids such a great opportunity, and we greatly appreciate all they help they give us.”
The after-prom party is always a big hit and attracts most of the students attending prom each year. Senior Kelsey Barnes attended both the prom and after-prom party last year, and says she would love to go again this year. “The after-prom party was so much fun last year, and this year’s sounds even better. When I went, almost every single person in my grade was there, along with their dates. I won a hundred bucks in a drawing just for being there. I can’t see why any student here would want to go out and drink after prom when they can stay here, have a blast, and probably go home with a cool prize on top of that.”
Planning of the after-prom party this year is still in progress, and will continue to be put together during the committee’s monthly meetings. The final plans are anticipated to be done about a month before the prom itself. The committee meetings are open to the public.