Post Prom

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Mar 26, 2005 by Rachel Burchfield Capital-Journal

Games of Texas hold 'em poker, a chance to try calf lassoing and an opportunity to ride a mechanical bull will be some of the activities Washburn Rural High School students and their guests have the chance to participate in as "Midnight Stampede at the WR Corral," this year's post-prom theme, rides into town on the morning of April 17.

The popular party will take place at the high school from midnight until 4 a.m. No students will be admitted after 1:30 a.m.

Booster Club members have been working on the annual celebration since August, fund raising for months to pay the roughly $11,000 price tag. Despite steep costs to throw the event, tickets for students are $3, which includes a free T-shirt, food and a Western- themed picture to be taken at post-prom, where students can choose different backdrops and costumes to wear.

"This is a fun and safe environment where kids can be themselves," post-prom co-chair Annette Cavanaugh said. "The highlight of post-prom is just seeing the energy that the kids have."

Along with the two co-woman, Cavanaugh and Kim Jones, eight other committees function to make post-prom work, and Cavanaugh said volunteers are always needed.

"We can always take more volunteers," Cavanaugh said. "It is so much fun! We have a good time. This is the second year Kim and I have done this, and we're back because we had so much fun the first time."

Parents can become a part of any of the eight committees, which include activities and games, decorating, event security and start- up, food, fund raising, prizes, publicity and volunteer committees.

The prize committee has been responsible for gathering donations from many Topeka businesses, garnering everything from senior picture packages to dorm room decor, as well as a secret grand prize that won't be revealed until the night of the event.

The activities and games committee has made sure that students will have an enjoyable time participating in activities ranging from carnival games, karaoke and Dance Dance Revolution to playing human foosball and doing a slide obstacle course.

Students also will be given a free start-up packet as they walk into post-prom, where they will get play money that they can use to gamble at the casino or buy items from the Post Prom Store.

The decorating committee works for six hours each week to build the props that will turn the hallways and kiosks of Washburn Rural into a Western-themed bash.

"Washburn Rural has always done an outstanding job on decorating," Jones said.

Volunteers are needed for decorating and for post prom's major Friday night set-up on April 15. Parents and other volunteers are encouraged to help out. Interested volunteers can contact Cavanaugh at amcav1@yahoo.com or can access the Booster Club's Web site at www.wrhs.net

/booster_club.html.

"The parents enjoy themselves, and the highlight of the evening is seeing the kids having a good time," Jones said. "Volunteers can help in the donation of prizes or money, and should encourage their student to come. Post prom is a blast."

Rachel Burchfield is a senior at Washburn Rural High School.