MONROE, CT — Masuk High School’s Post Prom offers juniors and seniors a safe place to have fun with friends after Prom night with games, photos, food and prizes. The free annual event was held Friday from 11 p.m. to 2:30 a.m.
Every year, volunteers serving on the Masuk Post Prom Committee decorate the school with a theme. This year it was Country Farm/Western.
Students helped committee members set everything up after school Friday afternoon. There was also a visit from First Selectman Ken Kellogg and John Stone, who is a board member for Kellogg’s Monroe First Foundation.
The foundation presented a $3,000 check to the committee, with funds from the nonprofit’s annual First Selectman’s Golf Outing, held at Whitney Farms Golf Course. The Monroe First Foundation divvies up the money it raises to benefit local causes, nonprofits, education groups and youth sports organizations.
“I couldn’t have a more worthy cause,” Kellogg said Friday. “Our foundation exists to help the community.”
The first selectman praised Karen Cardi, chair of the Post Prom Committee, and all of the volunteers whose hard work makes the Post Prom possible. He also expressed his gratitude to the many businesses and individuals who generously sponsored the golf tournament and made donations.
A check presentation ceremony was held outside Masuk’s main entrance and Principal Steven Swensen, committee members and students cheered after receiving the donation.
Incredible contributions
Cardi, who has served on the Masuk Post Prom Committee for over a decade, with eight years as chair, is stepping down.
“This is my last year, so someone needs to step up and take the helm,” she said.
“Her contributions are just incredible,” Swenson said. “She starts at the beginning of the school year and meets committee members two-to-three times a month.”
As principal, Swensen said he likes knowing students have a safe event to go to on Prom night. “They all come, because it’s fun,” he said.
The Masuk juniors and seniors who attend the Post Prom can also register friends from outside the school to be their guests.
Cardi said her love of being creative is what kept her coming back to serve on the Post Prom Committee over the years. Prior to volunteering, she had done themed birthday parties for her kids with characters like Scoobie-Doo.
Aside from peace of mind for parents and an event for students going to Prom, Cardi said the Post Prom provides fun activities for students who did not go to the Prom or who were not invited to an after party.
Cardi said about 10 adult volunteers organize the Post Prom and students volunteer on the day of the event. The volunteers do shifts in waves throughout the Post Prom and Kellogg said he has seen volunteers come in early the next morning to clean up when it’s over.
“We need more volunteers, so this continues to be an incredible event for the kids,” Swensen said.
Those interested in volunteering for next year’s Post Prom should send an email to Karen Cardi at [email protected].
