Topeka Capital-Journal, The: Post Prom

Fun without formality

Parents plan western post-prom party

After hours of dining, dancing and enjoying punch Saturday evening, Washburn Rural High School juniors and seniors were invited to attend Post Prom 2005.

For the past 19 years, the Washburn Rural Booster Club has created a theme and activities. Parents then volunteer to decorate the high school. The post-prom party offers students and their dates a drug- and alcohol-free environment where they can continue the fun of prom without the formality.

"I think it's great this has been such a sustained activity, and it's great for the kids," said Pam Koupal, a member of the post- prom committee.

Koupal said she was impressed with how popular post-prom remains with students. Students purchasing tickets this year also received a free T-shirt.

Organizers estimated more than 670 tickets had been sold before Saturday. Students also could purchase the $3 tickets at the door. Students were encouraged to participate in the post-prom party even if they chose not to attend the prom.

The Old West redefined the main lobby and gymnasiums at WRHS. Hay bales, a covered wagon and an old-fashioned jail were just a few of the decorations greeting students as they entered. Refreshments were served at the "saloon."

"The whole country thing seems to be big with the kids right now," Koupal said. "We just thought it would be a neat decoration theme."

Each attendee received the same amount of play money upon arrival, and they could gamble with it at the "casino" in hopes of getting more. Students then used the play money at the "general store" to purchase goods donated by more than 100 businesses, including jewelry and furniture for those living in a dorm room in college next year.

Special door prizes for WRHS juniors and seniors included iPods, flat screen TVs and cash.

Games set up for the students included war ball, sumo wrestling and lassoing a dummy cow. Other activities were karaoke on stage, Dance Revolution or trying their luck at poker. The casino area, which featured such games as blackjack and Texas Hold 'Em poker, tend to be the most popular among students and have been expanded in recent years.

Interested parents viewed the decorations and prizes during an open house the evening before students arrived. Students took over from midnight to 4:00 a.m. The post-prom committee was scheduled to return to clean up once students left.

"It really doesn't take very long considering how long it took to put up," said committee co-chair Kim Jones. "We've had a great committee to work with, so it's been really easy."