Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, May 23, 1994 TAG: 9405230165
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ADRIENNE PETTY STAFF WRITER Note: below
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
"I've got a pickup; I don't need a Jaguar," the 17-year-old senior said.
But organizers of the party are certain that the luxury car, donated anonymously, will entice about 600 students to attend the all-night bash at Benjamin Franklin Middle School.
"I know a lot of people who had originally planned to party big-time and have chosen to go to the after-party instead because of the Jaguar," said Miche Hall, the 17-year-old Student Council president. "You need that big prize so people will stay until the end."
The drawing for the Jaguar is not until 5 a.m.
Like many schools across the state, Franklin County High School hosts an elaborate after-prom party every year to allow young people to stay out all night without the temptation of drugs or alcohol.
But there's a greater sense of urgency surrounding this year's celebration because so many young people died in car crashes this school year.
"I went to three funerals for kids that I personally knew," said Ray Albanowski, chairman of the committee that organizes the event. "It's a terrible thing when you see kids 17 or 18 years old being killed."
The party, planned on a $7,000 budget, is loaded with games and activities. Every 45 minutes, a drawing is held for boom boxes, compact-disc players and other prizes. The grand prize, of course, is the Jaguar.
Students ditch their tuxedos and tulle for shorts and sneakers. They have 16 entrants for the "Perfect 10" contest, in which male students pose behind a poster board that reveals only their bottom halves to show off their legs.
Miniature golf is a new offering this year. The area was designed and constructed by a woodworking class.
At first, the casino area at the party raised some eyebrows. But Albanowski jokingly insists that it's wholesome fun, not gambling.
"It's to see if kids can count to 21 before they graduate," he said. "That's what I told one of the ministers the first year we did it."
And of course, there's music to suit all tastes, dance and hula hoop contests, and plenty of food.
"A lot of people don't go to the prom and just come to the prom party," Hall said.
by CNB