Clarksville’s ‘After Prom’ in Need of Sponsors and Community Support

CLARKSVILLE, IN (April 10, 2024) – Graduation and prom night is a right of passage which marks a major milestone in the lives of high school teens across the country. Both teens and parents are getting caught up in the whirlwind of dresses and tuxedos and caps and gowns. Of course, you want your teen to enjoy this special time – but there are also concerns during this season of celebration. According to a survey by AAA, 41% of teens age 16 to 19 said they’d most likely drink or use drugs on prom night. A frightening statistic when you imagine the number of inexperienced teen drivers getting behind the wheel on prom night, putting themselves and other drivers in danger.

'After Prom' Party 2023 — ‘After Prom’ Party 2023

Those kinds of risks are why ‘After Prom’ parties have become so popular across the country and right here in southern Indiana. They are fun and safe events held to keep high school seniors safe and out of trouble on prom night once the music fades and the lights go out. Clarksville High School seniors have been enjoying an ‘After Prom’ party for years, thanks to the dedication of parents and other local volunteers.

“The idea of the After Prom is to provide a safe space for kids to gather once the formal event is over,” said Amanda Craig, Lead Volunteer for Clarksville’s ‘After Prom’ event. “It is one of the last times these juniors and seniors may be together in a social setting, and I love that they just get to hang out and be kids before heading off in different directions.”

Craig says the annual event includes inflatable obstacle courses, games, a DJ, food, and lots of fun giveaways. Each year the event, which costs around $5,000 annually, is planned and hosted by parents and volunteers with no funding assistance from the school or the town. Unfortunately, event organizers are struggling to raise the necessary funds this year and are still thousands of dollars away from their goal.

“We will be asking for support from the Clarksville Town Council at their next meeting, but we could always use additional support from the community,” said Craig. “We would also welcome any local businesses who would like to sponsor the event.”

This year’s CHS ‘After Prom’ party will be held on Saturday, May 11th from 11:00pm-2:00am. Craig says organizers are in need of gift cards to give out as prizes as well as funds to be used for purchasing food. She says the could also use gift cards to Walmart or Kroger to purchase food and other supplies. Craig says she would also like to send out a HUGE thank-you to those who have already donated to this very worthy cause.

If you have questions about supporting the event or if you business would like to be a sponsor, you can email Volunteer Amanda Craig at amc4205@live.com.