By Versailles Dalessio, Online Editor-In-Chief
If free access to surfboards, paddleboards, dorm room packages, graduation party and senior picture packages, airpods, iPads, iPad Pros, scholarships, a car speaker, jumbo sound pool, MacBook Pro and not one, but two cars don’t provide students with enough incentive to join in on a night of endless fun at the YMCA, then who knows what can.
In conjunction with the Dare County community, the Coastal Family church is hosting its annual After-Prom event, one that raises thousands of dollars in donations each year for high school students to attend. The Outer Banks Family YMCA works alongside the organization as well, welcoming students into a fun, safe environment that guarantees a good time for the remainder of prom night.
“When all of the students come in together and we see them having fun, we’re giving away thousands and thousands of dollars worth of prizes and kids are being blessed, that’s definitely the best part,” said the pastor’s daughter, McKenzie Hill. “Especially, when kids are choosing to do the right thing and because they are choosing to do the right thing, they are being blessed.”
In order to actually fund the event, the church uses approximately $8,000 in donations for supplies and materials that will accommodate and attract as many people as possible. This year, however, the community has rallied together to provide funds totaling over $25,000.
But it’s about more than just the prizes. First Flight graduate Leslie Jennings, who is currently a senior at UNC Wilmington, remembers the unforgettable experience that she had with her friends when she decided to attend.
“There were a bunch of games and just different things you could do within the YMCA to win money, and there was even a money machine to go along with it,” Jennings said. “We also put our names into a raffle so that we could win some really cool prizes like hunting stuff, gift certificates and a bunch of technology.”
Additionally, there will be shuttle vans transporting students to and from the OBX Bowling Center, Ark Church Skating Rink and Gear Works Laser Tag – all free of charge – and provided by local church volunteers. After Prom party goers will be given a wristband to wear in order to identify them as registered guests of the party and must keep it on at all times.
Jennings said that the event is one not worth passing up, a wholesome night to participate in with friends and the inviting community of the Outer Banks.
“I feel like there’s a lot of stigma around going to the YMCA for After-Prom versus going to rage or a party, but if you go with the mindset of, ‘I’m here to have a good time and I don’t care that there’s not alcohol or any stuff like that,’ then you will have so much fun and it will be so worth it,” Jennings said.
Senior Versailles Dalessio can be reached at 22dalessiove31@daretolearn.org.
