By Kimberly Hopson
L’Observateur

LAPLACE – After the selecting the perfect dress, renting a tuxedo and ordering the corsage and boutonniere, the seniors and juniors of St. Charles Catholic High School will make their appearance Satur-day at what will be one of the most memorable evenings of the school year — prom.
But the event ends at midnight, and no one wants all of their hours of preparation
to go to waste on an
evening that is too short. Fortunately, the advent of the After Prom Party will give those full of youth and vigor a practical option to keep the party going into the wee hours while staying safe and having fun.
The After Prom Party will provide a chaperoned, drug and alchohol-free atmosphere for all students involved. The after party tradition has proven to be a great time for all who attend since its inception eight years ago. Dr. Courtney Millet, director of institutional and instructional advancement,  said there was never a tragedy or specific event that prompted the idea to begin holding the event. Millet said that the goal has always been to keep the students off of the roads and leaving to party in more dangerous environments. It’s an idea that has been gaining traction in recent years, and several local schools, including both Destrehan and Hahnville high schools in St. Charles Parish, now host such parties.
“I think it’s more of a proactive thing than a reactive thing. I haven’t really heard of anything happening, but I do know that everyone is looking for somewhere to go,” said Millet. “You spent forever getting ready, so now what?”
The students will have a chance to change into more casual clothes before the after party begins. Last year’s event drew more than 75 percent of the student body.
Along with the traditional food, drinks and music, students who attend the event will have a chance to win some impressive prizes and participate in hands-on games. The juniors and seniors will be split into groups based on sex at the beginning of the event for a ballon drop. Approximately 90 ballons will be filled with gift cards from various businesses that are valued from $20 through $100. Last year’s event secured close to $40,000 in donations.
Throughout the night, students will also fill up punch cards by playing a variety of games such as sumo wrestling, rock climbling and human bowling. The filled punch cards will be placed in prize buckets for random drawings. The table prizes are valued at more than $100 and include favors such as Vera Bradley gift sets, jewelry, microwaves and dorm-sized refrigerators. At 3:30 a.m., the grand prize drawings will be pulled. A senior girl and boy and a junior girl and boy will be chosen to receive a laptop and an iPad. Other grand prize drawings will include items such as apartment furniture, $500 gift cards and a Sanyo TV.
“The thing about SCC After Prom is that you’ll always be entertained. You’ll never see sombody sitting in the corner. Everyone benefits,” said senior Garrett Lubin. “The next thing you know, it’ll be 4 in the morning.”
“It’s nice to be able to come somewhere after prom because everyone’s looking for somwhere to go, and nine times out of 10 when you’re looking for somewhere to go you end up getting in trouble when you can’t find somewhere,” said senior Jarred Serigny.
After-prom festivities will take place on Saturday, April 20, from 12 a.m. until 4 a.m. in the St. Charles Catholic High School gymnasium. Millet said that the school is still seeking community support for the event since it is entirely funded by donations. For more information on donations, please contact St. Charles High School at 985-652-3809.