Long Time No Talk

...and for that I apologize.  There's just been ZERO time.  I take that back, there's been time.  The truth is, there's been no energy.  April and May are always busy months and this year was no exception. Life is always busy, but this time of year a few extra things happen. 

First off, my wonderful hubby picks up Royals baseball again for the summer.  This means he works for a week solid but is then off for a week while the Royals are out of town.  Royals are in first place right now too, so that makes things even better! Second, we enter hot and heavy into prom season.  My step-daughter, a senior this year, elected to attend Prom and my oh my, did she look stunning!  She and her date really did Prom in style.

Taylor and Austin - 2013 Staley Sr. Prom

In addition to Prom is of course After Prom.  For most of you I'm sure you'll be immediately transported back to your senior prom and remember the same things I do. Hotel rooms, parties, alcohol, sex and maybe the occasional recreational drug.  (Let me clarify though, as much of a hellion as I was, I DID avoid drugs.) I am however, going to give you a short math problem.  If I am 33 and my oldest son is about to turn 16, how old was I when he was born?

EXACTLY!!! Too young!  While he wasn't specifically a product of Prom coitus, I was still just a kid.   The rites of passage associated with Prom really haven't changed from 16 years ago.  In fact, I'd almost say my generation probably waited longer to participate in questionable behavior than today's youth.  According to a survey done in 2011, 15.3% of teens surveyed had already had sex with four or more people! (CDC)  This number is staggering and very scary!

It is because of this fact and many more surrounding teen drinking, gambling, pregnancy and fatalities due to car crashes, that I take it upon myself to help coordinate an alternative to these dangerous situations through the planning of an After Prom party that's fun, yet safe.  I know, I know...do those words really go together?  To a lot of kids the answer is no, but I along with a large percentage of 'rents, believe it IS possible.

Through the efforts of our high school's PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association) Staley Falcon Club, concerned parents and community sponsors we take the better part of 9 months to plan not just a party, but a mega event, clad with games, prizes, food, activities and did I say prizes?  Yeah, the prizes are a big draw for the kids.  And I'll let you in on a little secret...I'm planning to get a large 4 wheeled prize for next year!  If that doesn't draw them in, I don't know what will!

The hope is when students are provided with options, that most will choose the safer path. Those students who do are generously rewarded with iPads, TV's, gift certificates, dorm-sized refrigerators, gym memberships, car detailing, salon packages and more!  If even one person is spared from a life-altering tragedy, the stress, hard work and lack of sleep is worth it. 

This year's theme was Phantom of the Falcon.  

(Our mascot is of course, a Falcon)

We had custom shirts, a live band, giant inflatables, a Dodge Ball Tournament, caricature artist, cash booth, photo booth, Jimmy John's, Buffalo Wild Wings, Rosati's Pizza, a juice bar, chocolate fountain, ping pong, music all night, a Pucker Powder Station, Icee's, all manner of prizes and more.  I wish there would have been something like this when I was in high school, although it likely wouldn't have changed my personal situation. It's still a lot of fun and I'm really happy to give the opportunity to my own kids as well as hundreds of others.

Here's a few pics from this year's event!

Simple elegant decorations

Staley's 2013 Prom Kind and Queen

We tried to get everyone to jump at the same time,but it didn't work.  Next year!

Yummy treats!

Steering with drunk goggles gives kids a taste of what driving drunk might be like.

Prize time!

Lastly, I just want to say thanks.  To those who volunteered their time, resources, creativity, passion and commitment to Staley's Prom and After Prom. Without you, this event wouldn't be a success.  I genuinely hope to see your enthusiasm for many years to come.  If after reading this, you'd like to participate next year, feel free to send me an email and let me know. See how much of a difference you can make it the life of a young person.  What more can you do?

References
CDC. Youth risk behavior surveillance—United States, 2011. MMWR 2012;61(SS-4). 

~~~If you don't see a silver lining...make one~~~