NORWICH – The Norwich High School After Prom Party committee is running fundraisers to benefit the 17th annual after prom party taking place next month, an event that offers students a fun, safe, substance-free destination every year after the junior prom.
The NHS After Party Prom committee is spearheaded by NHS staff and parents who aim to provide a safe and fun option for students at the Norwich Family YMCA after the junior prom, with a hypnotist, cash machine, mechanical bull, laser tag, inflatable attractions and more available for students to enjoy free of charge.
For the past few years, the NHS After Prom committee has raised $15,000 annually in order to put on the event. NHS After Prom Party Coordinator Kelly Collins-Colosi said in its early years, the after prom party received the bulk of its funds from business donations. In recent years however, she said it has been a 50/50 split between business donations and community fundraising.
"Because of the generosity of the community and because of the support with the fundraising we do, we have been able to meet that goal [of $15,000]," said Collins-Colosi. "But it's not possible without this community, and every single cent that is raised each year by each group of parents 100 percent goes to that year's after prom party."
The NHS After Prom Party is the longest standing after prom tradition in Chenango County. Collins-Colosi said, "The after prom party was started way back when after the car accident that killed Emily Collins, Rachel Nargiso, and Katie Almeter. And it was started not because something happened to them on prom night, but as a positive outcome of that tragedy that happened and to provide a safe and substance-free event."
The event has been well received by students over the years, with Collins-Colosi reporting that usually more than 90 percent of students who attend the junior prom each year go on to attend the after prom party, which is over 200 students.
"Even though it's been going on for 17 years, we've kept the momentum going, the energy going, and the students want to be there and like the activities and the fun and the prizes and everything," said Collins-Colosi. "That keeps them from making other choices that they could make."
