2018 Project Prom to be held at All Star Sports in Wichita on April 21
by Amber Schmitz, Sumner Newscow — In 1987, a group of parents and volunteers had a vision to make sure that students were safe on Prom night by providing a safe alternative to an after party.
As this is the alternate year, students will be bussed to All Star Sports in Wichita following the Prom on April 21. Last year, it was held at the high school. Project Prom’s mission is “To provide a safe alternative for Wellington High School students and their guests to extend their Prom celebration.”
Project Prom originated in 1987 to be a substance free celebrate to help young people focus on having fun with their peers without mind-altering substances.
“Young people appear to have grown to love the event, and it is drug and alcohol free,” said Stacey Fair, Project Prom chairperson. “We feel if we can save one child from tragedy on Prom night, it would be an incredible accomplishment. But we need the community to help us see that through. We ask for their support through monetary donations or a volunteer time commitment to help at one of our fundraisers.”
Every other year, Project Prom is either held at the high school, or an off-site venue. As this is the alternate year, students will enjoy their time at All Star Sports. Students must meet in the commons area of the high school by 11:30 p.m., and busses will leave at midnight. Food such as pizza, sandwiches, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks will be available to students during the event.
Students will return to school at 4 a.m., where prizes will be distributed. Prizes include items perfect for dorm rooms, such as mini fridges, TV’s, futons, Kerigs, I-Pads, gift cards, and a variety of other items.
“We are currently seeking volunteers,” Fair said. “We fundraise year-round, working track meets, football games, and event volunteer at the Kansas Star Casino concession stand at events. Those are some of the different ways to help Project Prom. We also take donations to help cover expenses.”
This year’s Prom theme is “Tale As Old As Time,” from Beauty and the Beast, so any Project Prom decorations, or selfie stations, will coincide with that.
Currently, there are nine members serving on the Project Prom Board of Directors, who make sure that Project Prom happens each year. This year, three board members will be leaving, as their students are graduating from high school. Board members include: Stacey Fair, chairperson; Maria Cornejo, treasurer; Stacy Wiley, secretary; Erin Struble, prizes; Jayme Lowe, food and drinks; Kelli Barton, games; Kim Harriger, decorations; and Mike Westmoreland, security; and Amy Norris, check-in and check-out.
“When it’s held at the high school, we secure the facility so that kids have to be present and can’t leave without parental consent,” Fair said. “Mike does an excellent job providing security for us.”
The same rules apply when Project Prom is held at an off-site location. Students have to arrive at the high school before midnight, and will not be allowed to leave the location unless a parent picks them up. They will not be allowed to drive to the facility on their own, and must ride the bus. Once on the bus, and at the facility, they are not allowed to leave unless a parent has been contacted and arrives to retrieve them. There will be about 12 adults who will provide security at the facility, ensuring that no students leave.
“April is a busy month for us,” Fair said. “We run the middle school and high school track concession stands, and are looking for volunteers to commit to at least one hour. The middle school track meet is April 12, the high school meet is April 27, and the AVCTL meet is May 11.”
Those wishing to volunteer or who are interested in serving on the board can contact Stacey Fair at 316-772-7556.
“You don’t have to have a child in high school to volunteer and help,” Fair said. “We fund raise year-round, and it takes an Army to get that done. We are always open and willing to take on any volunteers.”
