Added on May 12, 2014 Sara Swanson

After Prom – Saving Lives with Laser Tag and Glitter Tattoos

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photo courtesy of After Prom

The 2014 After Prom event was held in the wee hours of the morning last Sunday, providing an entertaining and safe alternative to after-prom partying. After students left prom, they had the option of signing in at the high school between midnight and 1am and staying at this fun-filled, all-night event until around 5am. This year 156 students participated in After Prom. That’s close to 90% of the 174 students who attended prom, although some students did opt to only attend After Prom.

Activities included karaoke, corn hole, glitter tattoos, cash cube, photo booth, National Guard obstacle course, sumo wrestling, jousting, and triple threat activities. In addition, there was a laser tag game, ping pong tables, basketball, a movie, a DJ, food and drinks. Each student received a 20.00 gift certificate for attending, most purchased from Manchester businesses and many were donated. Additionally, there was a drawing for over 50 grand prizes at the end of the night, including TVs, Kayaks, dorm fridge, tablets, gift certificates, and more.

After Prom keeps prom goers from drinking and potentially drunk-driving after prom. Statistics indicate that prom and graduation season is one of the deadliest times of year for teen drivers. Alcohol is the cause of 60% of all teen deaths in car accidents and 31% of teenage drivers who are involved in fatal car wrecks had a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. Eight teens die daily in alcohol related vehicle crashes. Six of ten high school juniors and seniors admit to riding with an alcohol impaired teenage driver. A large numbers of teens actually take their first drink in their own home. And, the most common excuses given by teens who were caught drinking and driving include: breaking up with their boy or girl friends, spring break, graduation and prom.

In it’s 9th year, After Prom was started in May of 2006 by parents. One of the founders and supervisor, Mark Ball, explained, After Prom was started by parents whose kids who didn’t do all the “social activities” normally associated with things done after going to the prom. One of the moms knew of an area school that had an AP event and asked a couple other moms if they thought it could be done here. It was founded by Kari Ball, Diane Schiable and Teresa Benedict, although many others had a hand in it.

After Prom requires a huge amount of work before hand and many volunteers the night of. This year it was staffed by 26 parent volunteers. Although the school was not involved in putting on After Prom, it hosts it every year and Kevin Mowrer is there every year to help out.

The After Prom committee would like to thank the many volunteers and community members for their generosity in donating toward this worthwhile event, “Manchester’s commitment to help keep our kids safe by providing a fun activity after one of the most deadly nights is commendable.” They can’t thank everyone enough for their support.

This year’s donors included: Adiska Dentistry, who sponsored the Laser Tag activity, Manchester Men’s Club, Manchester Masonic Lodge, Manchester Area Friends, Obertron, Manchester Manor, O’Hara Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Knights of Columbus, Buffalo Wild Wings, Manchester Civic Club, Chelsea Area Wellness Foundation, Monty Okey, Raymond Howe DDS, Manchester Veternary Clinic, Manchester National Honor Society, R.D. Kleinschmidt, Chelsea Orthodontics, International Lions Club, Chelsea Chevrolet Buick, Dexter Orthodontics, American Legion Auxiliary, Manchester Eye Care Center, Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Ron Ellison- American Title of Jackson, Faust Sand & Gravel, Manchester Bakery, Manchester Pharmacy, T&N Services, Manchester Collision, 20th Century Club, Village Motor Sales, United Bank & Trust, First Merit Bank, Sew Write, Marti’s Salon, Manchester Market, Linda’s Diner, Wolf’s Westside Automotive, Ash Auto, Wackers, Manchester True Value, Norris Floors, Andrews Family Chiropractic, Dr. Steven Rodriguez, Pyramid Office Supply and Emporium, Manchester Marathon, Fred’s Village Mart, The Village Tap, Hungry Wolf, The Coffee Mill, Ollies, Franks, Steelegrafix – Denny Steele, Stockwells/Kellie’s, MHS Dutch Den, Sophmore Class advisor Leslie Rollins , Horning Farms, Walz Farm, Jean Robert, Manchester Edward Jones- Jody Flowers, John & Mary Korican, Joann Clark, Mr. and Mrs. Forrest Waltz, Jack & Heather Rathburn, Kelly Blaine family, Dave & Sue Kempher, Renee Kouba, Napoleon Lawn & Leisure, Chinese Tonight, Biggby’s Chelsea, Chelsea Lumber, Jimmy Johns, Arizona Tan, Chelsea Lanes, CVS-Chelsea, Taco Bell-Chelsea, McDonalds-Chelsea, Coney Island-Chelsea, ACO Hardware, Costco, Bagger Dave’s, Mongolian BBQ, TGI Fridays, Kroger, Joe’s Crab Shack, Arctic Coliseum, Outback Steak House, Trader Joes, Red Robin, JR’s Steakhouse, Country Market, Max & Erma’s, Noodles & Company, Applebees, Olive Garden, Chili’s, Creekside Grill, Culver’s, Whole Foods, Target- Ann Arbor, Coffee House Creamery, and Kerns Auto.