Prom Coin Fountain To Support Autism Month
By LEIGH C. MERRIFIELD
News & Journal Editor
The prom is a notable social event for high school students and typically a rather costly one!It is a milestone formal occasion – not just in the U.S., but worldwide!
Gone are the days when decorations consist of balloons and crepe paper streamers in the school’s colors. No, these lavish affairs are major productions today, and Lincoln High School’s upcoming prom this weekend is no exception. The prom committee’s chosen theme is “Midnight Masquerade”, and the colors of maroon, black and gold will be used. The challenging task for committee members has been to focus on altering the appearance of Lincoln High School’s commons area where the event will be held and to create the illusion of a ‘Phantom of the Opera’ setting.
The walls and ceilings will be entirely covered, and numerous students have spent hours after school fashioning large, elaborate masks that will adorn the walls and entrance. In addition, eighty feet of black fabric will be used to create a draped backdrop for the coronation in the gymnasium. There will be lots of glittered letters and even the Phantom theatre-like chandelier will be suspended! Yes, it’s a major production … and has even incorporated moving in a Baby Grand Piano that will be played by pianist John Woodson during the evening.
Junior Class President Kendal DeMarco said that it has been a team effort, with class officers working hand in hand with other classmates, advisors, their principal and parents to plan the event.
During a meeting held back in January, the suggestion was made to have a coin fountain on the premises during prom evening. As is typical, family members and the public in general are invited to attend the coronation. They will also be asked to drop some coins in the fountain. When committee member Darian Darway told her mother about the coin fountain, her mother (Amie Darway, who passed away unexpectedly very recently) suggested that perhaps those donated coins might be put to good use if they were donated to the Autism Foundation. The students were all in agreement with that suggestion – especially since April is Autism Month.Now, following Ms. Darway’s tragic passing, it will also be a tribute to her and to a cause that she profoundly supported.
Lincoln’s Vice Principal Holly Hawkins said that tomorrow, the transformation of the Lincoln High School commons area will begin at noon. “We’re hoping to finish it up by midnight!” Hawkins exclaimed. “We’re all so anxious to see the finished product. It has incorporated a lot of creativity and hours of hard work and planning on the part of the students and everyone involved. But I think those who come to view this transformation will be amazed!”
The 2016 Junior Class began raising funding for their prom event at the end of their 8th grade year, and through various projects such as sales of bottled water and cotton candy at school events, selling vendor spaces at LHS during Shinnston’s City-Wide Yard Sale, an LHS tumbler sale, a duck race, Chick-Fil-A Spirit Week, a Buffalo Wild Wings night, car washes and several other fundraisers, the class raised $10,000 to put towards their prom!
“Midnight Masquerade” will be held Saturday, April 16th. Fathers of junior class members will offer valet parking upon arrival, with doors opening to prom attendees at 6 p.m. An extensive array of appetizers will be available to the students, and a free dinner will be served to them at 6:30 p.m. Dinner will include a pasta bar, chicken, scalloped potatoes, green beans, salad, and desserts. A ‘candy bar’ will be open throughout the evening as well, offering students the opportunity to fill a souvenir bag with candies of their choice. There will also be a free photo booth to capture memories of their special evening! Dancing from 9 p.m. until the midnight hour will conclude the evening.
Doors will open at 8 p.m. to admit the public if they wish to attend the coronation of the King & Queen. Again, the public is invited and encouraged to attend and witness the coronation. And don’t forget to bring some coins to toss in the fountain for Autism Month; these donations will remain in the local area, by the way!
Students elected to the 2016 Prom Court include: Victoria Beezel, Halie Bennett, Hope Bray, McKinley Clark, Darian Darway, Kendal DeMarco, Halie Hardman, Mackenzie Hawkins, Madison Jefferies, Kearstyn Richards, Hanna Stoper, Shelby Swiger, Parker Benson, Noah Hoskinson, Justin Hughes, Anthony Kellar, Dustin Marks, Hunter McGary, Kyle Owens, Chase Riley, Tyler Shaver, Anthony Tate, Nathanael Thompson, and Brandon Weaver.
