Wednesday, January 22, 2014

AfterProm

Over a decade ago, the parents of Oconee County recognized a need to offer a fun alternative for students to do after prom was over.  Curfew laws and the belief that nothing good happens after midnight without responsible, adult supervision, these parents designed AfterProm, a huge undertaking all in the name of service to the students of this community.  This endeavor was and is a monumental undertaking that requires over $30,000 of fund raising to make the event fun and inviting.  If you are new to Oconee County, this event is run in one of the high schools each year and brings together the two high schools students, parents and faculties to create a carnival environment of all night fun where students are present and accounted for.

Over the years, as it is with many initiatives, passion for this event has struggled to maintain its initial levels.  In light of this, it is beneficial to remember why we do what we (the parents of Oconee County) do to make this event happen.  Our aim is to take a milestone in a student's life that often is connected to risky behaviors, and to offer each student a distracting alternative to otherwise risky behaviors.  It keeps students off the road on an evening that forces a late arrival home.  It allows parents to breathe easier knowing where and what their student is up to on prom night.  Ultimately, it is designed to keep our kids safe, even if for one night.  On a bigger level, it sends a message to the students of Oconee County that you are important and making good choices matters to us- even if for one night.

I hope that you will agree that this event matters and is important enough to support it, but how can you support AfterProm?  Attached is a letter that will detail specific ways how, but here are some quick ways:

  1. Expect your student to attend.  "The more the merrier" certainly applies.  Fight the urge to compete with this event by offering your own private after prom party.  A really good one already exists!  If your student doesn't want to attend, encourage him or her to come on home and get a good night's sleep safely  in your own home.
  2. Come and volunteer!  A great way to demonstrate that positive choices matter to you is by making the sacrifice of sleep to be at AfterProm to serve your child and their friends.  There are a myriad of options for your volunteering pleasure.  Often parents espouse the importance of community service to their student.  By actually putting your money where your mouth is, it reinforces your point exponentially!
  3. Consider making a contribution financially, or in goods if you own a business who can help.
AfterProm is too important to let fall.  We, the parents of Oconee County, must get behind this to make it the best one yet.

AfterProm Letter