Girls breakout into a Footloose dance during the blacklight Nerf games in the Gray Box Theater during the Turning Point Dance Marathon/After Prom Party held at Central Middle School, Saturday, May 7, 2022 Carla Clark | For The Republic
Turning Point Domestic Violence Services is once again gearing up to host a bash for all high school students in Bartholomew County.
The After Prom Party will be from 8 p.m. on Saturday to 3 a.m. on Sunday at Central Middle School. The event, now in its second year, combines Turning Point’s annual Dance Marathon with after-prom festivities. While there is no cost to attend, students will need a ticket and student ID to enter. A registration link is available at turningpointdv.org/after-prom-party.
“Together we will provide a fun-filled night where students can celebrate safely with the intention of promoting healthy relationships with friends,” organizers said.
In a difference from last year, the event will be split into two time slots based on grade: 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. for freshmen and sophomores, and midnight to 3 a.m. for juniors and seniors. Students are only allowed to attend during their allotted time slot, and no re-entry is permitted once an individual has left the event.
According to Director of Prevention Stephen Dishinger, Turning Point made the choice to split the event based on feedback from students, parents, teachers and school officials. Additionally, students’ input indicated that they wanted more dancing from last year’s After-Prom, so that will also be incorporated into this year’s event.
“We’re still kind of learning,” he said. “We’re still trying to figure out what it is students want for an After Prom Party that has the unique thing that we’re inviting everybody and not just the after prom kids. So we’re listening to feedback, and we’re trying to make it as fun as possible for everybody.”
This year’s theme is “A Night Among the Stars,” so there will be some Hollywood and movie elements to the event. Dishinger noted that, by a happy accident, the motif fits nicely with the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp.’s prom theme, which is “A Cinematic Premiere.” BCSC’s prom will be held from 9 p.m. to midnight Saturday at The Commons.
However, After Prom is open to all Bartholomew County students in grades 9-12, not just those in BCSC.
According to organizers, “The night will offer a gymnasium full of dancing and music, trivia and bingo, and carnival-style games, all set up to win tickets to be entered for prizes including gas cards, professional sports tickets and memorabilia, electronics, dorm supplies, restaurant gift cards, apple products, and college scholarships for seniors.”
Seniors are eligible to win one of three $1,000 Sarah Cannon Dance Marathon College Scholarships. However, individuals must be present in order to win.
The event will also feature education about healthy relationships.
Organizers are still seeking volunteers for the event, said Turning Point Communications Manager Abigail Jones.
“We still have less than half the needed amount of volunteers to keep the event functioning,” she said.
Individuals can sign up to volunteer via Turning Point’s website, which also includes a link to an Amazon wish list of event prizes.
