NHS goes all out for April 9 prom
Changes for this year's Nevada High School Prom will meld new ideas and time-honored traditions into an event the sponsors hope will be a memorable, exciting one for students.
Scheduled a bit earlier in the year -- April 9 --the evening will begin with the traditional promenade, when students will arrive at NHS. The tradition of arriving in the "coolest" mode of transportation, then parading down the red carpet as each student's arrival is announced by the master of ceremonies, will take place starting at 5 p.m.
The After Prom Committee will begin selling concessions there at 4 o'clock, and inside a "mock-tail party" with non-alcoholic drinks is planned from 5-8 p.m. Themed "Old Hollywood," this year's event aims to incorporate a historic venue in Fort Scott along with the promenade's red carpet motif and "The classic glamour and Hollywood glitz of prom," information provided by the prom committee said.
The paparazzi, or celebrity photographers, would be out in full force for a red carpet, Hollywood event, so the committee is offering the first 25 "fans" who wish to do so the opportunity to purchase a "paparazzi pass" for $25.
The pass will avail front row seating at the promenade, exclusive access to the mock-tail hour and "ultra exclusive" access to the prom.
After making their grand entrances and mingling a bit, the juniors and seniors will be transported via charter buses to the River Room Ballroom, on the second floor of the Buffalo Grill, Fort Scott, where the prom will take place with a Kissin' 92.5 announcer from Joplin as the disc jockey.
All students must ride the charter buses to and from the Fort Scott site.
Nevada's Bill Wynn will be the official photographer. "It will be unique interactive party entertainment at its best," said junior class sponsor Amyl Bishop.
The buses will begin leaving Fort Scott at 10 p.m. with after prom passes to be distributed upon arrival at NHS.
Bishop said each student will get a KCflipbook with their $25 purchase of their prom ticket with additional flipbooks available onsite for $5. Other class sponsors are Tonia Bowman, Christen Diehl and Linda Gower.
"The commons area will be transformed into a chic, behind-the-scenes viewing room and students served mock-tails and nosh on Oscar-inspired hors d' oeuvres," she said. "Huge screens will be set up so the promenade may be viewed during the mock-tail hour."
Bishop said the River Room "is endowed with elegance and beautiful decor.
"The spacious ballroom provides a glamorous setting for any gathering. Built in 1911, the H.L. Stout Building was renovated in 2008 to restore its historic character, including the original brick walls and iron columns.
"Fifty-four windows on the east and south facades of the second floor are exact replicas. The River Room is the premier gathering destination in Southeast Kansas and Southwest Missouri."
After prom activities will start at 11 p.m. at Franklin P. Norman City/County Community Center, where pizza will be served at 11:30.
Until 2:45 a.m., there will be a mountain climb, a casino sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, laser tag and two movies at Century 6 from 11 p.m the last movie.
Each student will receive a $15 gift card.
Bowling will be offered at Capri Bowl with lane changes every 30 minutes, and there will be a hypnotist's show from 3-4 a.m. and breakfast in the commons from 4-6 a.m.
"We need the help of the parents to make this event memorable," Bishop said. "Students do not have to attend the prom to participate in the after prom."
Meanwhile, the After Prom committee is continues to raise funds.
A baked potato bar will be available April 1, 5-7 p.m. right before the Male Handsome Pageant, to be presented from 7-9 p.m., in the Nevada High School auditorium.
Also on the night of prom the group will have a concession stand setup to sell drinks, nachos, hotdogs and candy.