Mainland’s Amazing Race to After Prom
By Tammy Thornton
In just a few weeks, Mainland Regional High School will pull off another amazing After Prom. Set for Saturday, June 1st, After Prom provides students with a fun-filled, all night celebration that is alcohol and drug free. With over 600 students attending, it’s clearly the place to be following the prom. This year’s theme is The Amazing Race. Like the television show, “contestants” will embark upon a trek around the world. It’s a night full of games, prizes, food, and dancing–all taking place in their own completely transformed, unrecognizable high school.
Prizes are no joke and the big ticket items include chances to win surf boards, a GoPro, Twenty One Pilots tickets, Shawn Mendes tickets, a football signed by Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham, an Apple IWatch, or Airpods. Some of the highlights of the night are: a mechanical bull, a money machine, team laser tag, the spinning wheel game, a hypnotist, a masseuse, and rocking out to the music of the band “Isn’t It Always”. An event this amazing can only happen through the generous support of the mainland community. Countless volunteers donate time and money to bring it all together. Planning meetings start in July and decorating sessions are held every Tuesday and Thursday in the high school woodshop from 7:00-9:00 PM.
Mainland’s After Prom has been held for over 26 years. Chairperson Danielle Kelly has been tirelessly working on the yearly event for over 12 years. She says it’s a team effort of parents, volunteers, and local businesses. Kelly tells Shore Local News that her team includes the priceless help of Sharon Ianoale and Mary Sundra who are also in their 13th year of working on After Prom, and she could not pull it all together without them.
“This event keeps our community safe. Anyone can get involved, and it’s a great opportunity for small businesses,” said Kelly. Fundraisers are held throughout the year, such as “Bagging for a Cause” held in January, when student volunteers bagged groceries at ShopRite in Somers Point, and the weekend-long event held by vendors at The Exchange in Linwood in March. An annual campaign to local businesses begins every January, a vital part of support necessary to make this event possible.
After Prom is quickly approaching and donations of gift certificates, food, services, merchandise, and financial support are always needed and appreciated. To volunteer your time or support, contact: mrhsafterprom@comcast.net More information can also be found on their facebook page: MRHS After Prom. All are welcome to a community walk-through of “The Amazing Race” June 1st, 2019, from 7:00-9:00 PM (donation box at the door).
Tammy Thornton is a mom of four, a substitute teacher, and a Sunday school teacher. She is passionate about gardening and cooking, and loves the beach.
