By Joan Goodchild, Community Reporter
Shrewsbury – Prom night is often one of the most anticipated events in a high school student's life. Many look forward for months to a night out with friends, dressed elegantly and having fun on the dance floor. But the night can also make parents nervous about what their children will be doing after the music has stopped and the DJ or band have packed up for the evening.
It is after-prom activities that can provide an opportunity for trouble.
That is why Shrewsbury High School (SHS) parents have been volunteering to put together an after prom “Safe Night” party for junior class students for many years. The party, held this year after the junior prom Saturday, May 12, will be at the Boroughs Branch YMCA in Westborough and is open to all SHS juniors, their dates and friends. Students do not need to have attended the prom to go to the after-party, according to Kathy Taylor, a parent volunteer who is organizing the event this year. The only requirement is that attendees either be a junior at SHS, or attend the party with one.
“The event starts at 11:30 at night and goes until 5 in the morning,” Taylor said. “The doors are locked for the night and re-opened at 5.”
Taylor said the event, which provides an opportunity for kids to have fun in a safe, substance-free environment, is $30 per ticket and usually draws between 300 and 400 students each year. With a budget of about $10,000 a year, Taylor said it is typically funded through ticket sales, as well as monetary and food donations from the community.
This year, the party will feature a hypnotist, a DJ, a tattoo artist and inflatable structures for the students to enjoy.
“Everything is available to the students once they are in the door,” Taylor said.
Taylor noted all students who are registered for the event will be expected to sign in when they get there. Any students who do not show up will be called, and parents will be notified as well.