The Shadow
Dear Editor,
The Alleghany Highlands YMCA hosted the After-Prom parties for Covington High School April 27 and Alleghany High School May 4.
Historically prom night has been a risky time for our teenagers’ lives as well as those lives of others because of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Providing drug- and alcohol-free After-Prom parties is an alternative that offers students good entertainment, food and prizes while being in a safe environment.
The parties were well attended by the junior and senior classes. Covington High School’s theme was “Romance under the Sea; and Alleghany High school’s theme was “Enchanted Forest”.
Decorations for each theme were made and donated by Cheri Kelley, membership and program director for the YMCA, and Mike Wilcher, past board YMCA member and active member of the YMCA.
Chris Michael, a well-known comedy magician from Richmond, provided entertainment.
Many thanks to Joanne Carter Henson, owner of the Red Lantern Inn, for donating a night’s stay for Chris Michael for each prom party.
Games, door prizes, food and drinks were also provided for the parties. Alleghany Highlands Community Services staff were on hand with popcorn and a scavenger hunt and drunk driving simulation that promoted illegal substance use prevention. Safehomes also provided information on abuse issues for the Alleghany High School event.
The prom parties could not be a success without the support, donation of door prizes, food and monetary donations from our community.
The YMCA thanks the following donors: Red Lantern Inn, A&B Bakery, Club Car, Double C, Todd Dillon, new owner of the Olde Town Diner, Bartley’s Meat Market, Food Lion, The Rail Bar & Grille, Trani’s Grille, B.P. Fast Break, KFC, Ace True Value, Tizzone Pizza, Covington Pizza Hut, Cat & Owl, Dairy Queen, Pepsi, Central Advent Christian Church, Loving Funeral Home, Jackson River Community Credit Union, Cucci’s Pizzeria, Bennett Logging and Lumber, McAllister Memorial Presbyterian Church, Mary Ann Beirne, Troy and Lori Barbour, Hammond and Mitchell, Alleghany Asphalt and Construction.
Also, Hemp Insurance Agency, Alleghany Highlands Mechanical, Rupert Real Estate, Schoppmeyer Financial, Inc., BPOE Elks Lodge No. 1065, Creigh Deeds, Good News Church, Covington Woman’s Club, Clemons Tire and Auto Center, Counseling Associates, Clifton Forge Shrine Club, Granbery Memorial United Methodist Church, Alleghany County, VFW Auxiliary No. 1033, Teddy J. Dressler and Sons, Gerald Franson Insurance, Juanita Dressler, WestRock, Jack Mason’s Tavern, Temple Baptist Church, Laura Dascher and the Covington Kiwanis Club.
Many thanks also to the many volunteers who donated their time working the parties.
Jennifer Unroe, CEO of the YMCA, Darlene Thomas, Wellness Director, and Susan Hutchison, Director of Development coordinated both parties.
Sincerely,
Susan Hutchison
YMCA Director of Development – Low Moor
