MONROE, CT — Volunteers from the Masuk PTC are organizing the Post Prom, an annual bash held at the high school after Prom Night. This year’s party is planned for April 25, from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Tammy Julian, president of the Masuk PTC, said 483 students participated in last year’s party, adding many enjoyed themselves so much, they stayed until the end and had to be told to go home. Principal Steve Swensen estimates between 80 and 90 percent of the school’s juniors and seniors attend with their dates.
“The Post Prom is a great opportunity, not only for our kids to extend the fun they have at the Prom, but to keep them safe,” Swensen said, “and that couldn’t be done without the Masuk PTC. They transform the high school into a different place.”
Julian, who is co-chairing this year’s event with Masuk PTC Co-Treasurer Kristen Londono, said the night’s theme remains a secret right up until the party, when decorations on the main level transform Masuk into a “magical place.”
Julian said there will be ample opportunities for students to take selfies in front of the props with their dates and friends.
This year’s Prom will be held at The Waterview, 215 Roosevelt Drive, so students will not have far to travel, while on their way to the Post Prom afterwards.
The Post Prom, which spans over three decades, is only for Masuk juniors and seniors and their dates, who could be underclassmen. It is free to attend and the wide variety of donated food inside the cafeteria will also be free.
Back by popular demand, guests will be able to get Blue Butterfly temporary tattoos.
JMG Music and Entertainment, a Monroe firm, will provide music and games, including laser tag with a glow in the dark obstacle course and LED mini-golf.
“Jim Goldstein gives us a big discount,” Julian said of the owner, adding, “the gym will have bounce houses and games — everything’s interactive.”
Aside from food and amusements, the raffles are always a big draw.
“You don’t have to be present to win,” Julian said. “That’s a change. This year, if they’re tired, they can go home.”
Among the prizes are items to bring to college, such as fans and microwaves, as well as gift cards to businesses like Chipotle, Jersey Mike’s and Amazon.
Volunteers are needed to serve as chaperones — monitoring hallways and supervising events, to serve food, run the raffles, and help setup and cleanup after the event.
“We have an army of volunteers working on it and we always need more,” said Londono. “It’s great seeing all the kids have fun and you can socialize with other parents.”
To volunteer, send an email to masukptc@gmail.com.
Donations needed
The annual Masuk Prom Fashion Show, which was held on March 12, is the Post Prom’s biggest fundraiser.
“We exceeded our goal slightly,” Londono said.
The fashion show, which includes ticket sales, auctions and raffles, raised $9,000, which is roughly half the amount of money needed for the Post Prom, according to Londono.
A donation letter was sent out to families, businesses and residents to raise the rest. The names of individual donors and businesses will be listed in a display at the Post Prom and a tax deductible form is available.
To make a donation with a credit card click here. Donations may also be sent via Venmo to @Masuk-PTC or by checks payable to Masuk PTC, Masuk High School, Attn: PTC Post Prom, 1014 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe CT 06468.
Swensen encourages residents and businesses to donate money, time and goods to the nonprofit.
“The Monroe community is always extremely generous and dedicated to our Masuk students,” Julian said.
Julian and Londono also expressed their gratitude to Fire Marshal Bill Davin, who makes sure the venue is up to code, town police officers who provide security, and Monroe Volunteer Emergency Medical Service volunteers who are on standby — all enhancing the safety of the event.
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