Mainland Regional High School juniors and seniors and their prom dates were red-carpet ready in their dresses, heels, and tuxes for their 2026 prom on Saturday, June 6. After gathering in groups to pose for the parent-paparazzi, the excited teens headed to Harrah’s Resort and Casino in Atlantic City for an evening of dinner and dancing. Then the real fun began as students swapped their fancy clothes for T-shirts, shorts, sweats, and sneakers for the much-anticipated After Prom held at the high school. After Prom has been a decades-long tradition of providing students with a drug-free and alcohol-free celebration filled with food, entertainment, games, and prizes following the prom. Everyone was amazed to see their school transformed into an international tour for the theme “The World Awaits.”
Mustang students never looked so good with their bow ties and boutonnieres, dangling earrings and dazzling dresses. From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., attendees of the junior/senior prom started their evening at Harrah’s Resort and Casino in Atlantic City and enjoyed dinner before hitting the dance floor while the DJ played, only stopping to make memorable pictures in the photo booth. This was just the start to the fun as the prom-goers made their quick wardrobe change to attend After Prom back at their high school from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. Upon entering Mustang Way, the students knew they were in for an exciting night as they were greeted under the lights with a very convincing replica of Disney’s Epcot Ball, made by a parent, Rob Lowry. From there, students were checked in for the evening and led down the once familiar, but now-unrecognizable halls of their school. Fitting the After Prom’s theme of “The World Awaits,” Mainland students quickly became disoriented as their halls now became an international tour. They walked through decorated scenes of France, England, Cuba, India, Egypt, China, Mexico, Greece, and of course, the United States of America. This tour of the countries led them to their two gyms filled with games and prizes. Among the most popular games were the money machine booth, where they had 30 seconds to make a money grab, and the mechanical bull for daring guests to do their best to hold on before getting thrown. Meanwhile, the DJ drew names for cash winnings throughout the night. Senior Griffin Fitzgerald enjoyed After Prom even more than the prom itself, saying, “After Prom was phenomenal! I love how much effort the parents put into it. The school looked like a completely different place, and I didn’t even know what hallway I was in.”
Mainland After Prom results from the community coming together for an event that hosted 547 students this year. Parents, local businesses and organizations, volunteers, and friends join in, donating their time and money to make this event a success. Tina Moyer has been tirelessly helping with After Prom for the past eight years and heading up this major celebration for the past four years. Work begins in October, when Moyer and her team of volunteers meet twice a week to begin fundraising and preparing the decorations. Then the effort really heats up in May when there is a four-night-a-week effort. Moyer credits the community for their generous gifts to make it a night to remember and one that makes the kids want to attend. She gives special credit to Michelle Costello, who has been by her side in this effort for the past three to four years, as well as the Murray family, who “really stepped up this year, helping every Tuesday and Thursday.” Moyer has also appreciated the assistance of Joanne Medland, treasurer of the event, who also helped immensely with decorations, as well as Lisa Carlton’s involvement. She has many more people who have made this event possible, including the 75-80 volunteers who work the night of the event and make it run smoothly. In the end, Moyer said that all the work is worth it. “Once we get there, it’s very rewarding seeing the kids have a good time,” said Moyer. She added that as the students are walking out at 3 a.m. (many with prizes in hand), they tell her thank you and show their appreciation.
Congratulations to the Mainland community for a successful night and to the graduating class of 2026. The world awaits you…
Tammy Thornton lives with her husband, children, and crazy pets while enjoying a life of gardening, cooking, and going to the beach.
