Everyone knows after-prom events are designed to offer students safe evening activities on a night when the alternatives might put them at risk.
Convincing the kids to attend can be a challenge for some schools, but in Pickerington, the dedication and hard work of the events’ organizers keep students interested.
The proms at Pickerington High School Central and Pickerington High School North will be held April 20 and May 11, respectively. Both after-proms are at the schools.
North’s after-prom activities include a giant slide and a mechanical bull. Prize giveaways enhance the appeal to students, and students can get discounts on after-prom tickets by bringing in donations to the PCMA Food Pantry of Pickerington. North draws its volunteer base from parents and from the school’s freshmen and sophomores.
“Pickerington is fabulous for parent volunteers,” says North after-prom committee chairwoman Anne Griffin. “(We’re) very fortunate to live in a supportive community.”
Central’s Students Against Drunk Driving chapter is a big supporter of the school’s after-prom and begins planning for it in January, says Julie Brunner, a guidance counselor and the school’s SADD adviser. Central offers karaoke, food and inflatable games, and its raffle prizes range from gift cards for Vera Bradley products.
“(We) go to area businesses and ask for either cash donations or gift products and services,” Brunner says.
Holly Butcher is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
