Whenever a new tradition is started, it is usually met with some resistance because most people are resistant to change. St. Charles Catholic is planning to establish a new tradition and dispense with any resistance by putting on a one of a kind party. The hope of the school administrators and parents is that it will provide an obvious choice for the students that will give them four hours of fun, food, games, and a chance to win some elaborate prizes.
“Some schools is Jefferson and Orleans Parishes began this tradition several years ago and they have had unmatched success. Parents and administrators met with parents from Chapelle over the summer and based a lot of what we are doing on their party. In their first year, they had about 50% of their seniors attend. Last year, 99% of their seniors attended,” said SCC Principal Andrew Cupit. “Our committee of parents has already gathered some major prizes, lots of food, and is planning games and contests that will be a lot of fun for students. It is important for us to offer this to our students to help them resist the temptations to delve into things that all teenagers are tempted by-drinking, drugs, and smoking. This party will be alcohol, drug, and tobacco free.”
Susan Revall, the chairperson of the event, is excited about giving students a viable choice for activities following the prom. “As parents, we are excited to support the school’s efforts to give our children an opportunity to not only stay away from some harmful situations, but have a great chance to win some great prizes while having a great time with their friends. Our PTO has donated $2,000 to get us started. ”
The party will be held on April 29, 2006 from 1 a.m. – 5 a.m. in the school’s gym. The event is free of charge to students, but they had to sign a commitment letter by March 22, 2006 to be admitted. The prom is held at the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner. Students are allowed one hour after leaving the prom to arrive at SCC. If they are late, they are not admitted in to the party. The students will be treated to lots of food and drinks including pizza, pasta, donuts, pastries, alcohol-free daiquiris, coffee, and soft drinks. Four families have also hired a chef to prepare crepes during the party. Each student and their date receive a t-shirt and a goody bag when they arrive. They will compete in the twenty plus games that are planned including an inflatable obstacle course, karaoke, dance contests, giant tricycle races and SCC’s version of Family Feud, Wheel of Fortune, and The Amazing Race. Students earn “Comet Cash” as they play and win games. The “cash” can be used to enter raffles for the many prizes available.
Prizes will range in value from $15.00-$1000.00 Two families have donated laptop computers for the grand prizes for each class. The prize committee has also secured several TV’s and TV/DVD combos. LaPlace Ford is sponsoring a contest to give two students a chance to win a new car. Revall says that more prizes are needed. “Our parents and the community have been very generous. We were initially concerned about being able to secure our bigger prizes. Now, we would like to ensure that every student in attendance wins something. So, we are in need of some $25.00-$50.00 prizes such as gift cards. We want to offer things that the students want, so gift cards to their favorite restaurants and clothing stores are ideal because they can pick what they want.”
Businesses that want to be involved have a great opportunity for exposure. By donating a prize or sponsoring one of the activities, they will have their business listed on the school’s website next month when the prize listed is published. In addition, the business will be listed in a full page ad in one of the local papers, the school’s yearbook, and in the 2006 football program which is sold at all home games from August through November. Please contact Don Fernandez, the school’s Director of Development at 652-3809 to donate a prize or to get more information about this event.
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