Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Parents pull out stops so kids can still have a ball
TEENAGERS who had their school prom cancelled due to Covid still went to the ball – after parents and friends rallied to organise their own.
End-of-school parties across the country have been cancelled this year amid the pandemic.
But parents from one Somerset school were determined not to let their children down so they arranged an alternative prom themselves – in five days.
The event was independently organised and not endorsed by the school, but thanks to the help of a Facebook campaign and volunteers the party for Year 11 pupils at Stanchester Academy in Stoke-subHamdon went ahead. One of the organisers, Nick Shard, said: “The school sadly cancelled the prom but the kids had already bought their suits and dresses so we thought we have to put something on for them.”
The official school prom was due to go ahead last Friday but Covid bubble chaos meant they were forced to cancel the event.
“We had a group of around ten helpers. It was all done via Facebook,” Nick explained.
“Within three days we managed to get 85 guests to confirm, as well as hire the local Long Sutton Golf Club, photographers and a DJ who were all amazing.”
It has been a difficult 18 months for children across the country who have had their education plunged into chaos as a result of Covid.
Nick said: “We felt that after the year they’ve had, they deserved something.”
The prom was a great success with guests thoroughly enjoying the evening.