Prom "Alternative"

A church that sponsors a "Prom"? Yes today is the day. We are sold out for our tenth annual Prom Alternative. We have room for about 50, and there are no remaining openings. I visited the water craft upon which our crew will embark on a "2 hour tour" of the Lakefront. I'm a little concerned because it looks to me like the thing can hold about 25 people. If you read this in a couple days after hearing of a tragedy at sea, know that we followed the capacity guidelines "they" gave us. I know my children will be cared for; but send help to my house for my guinea pig. She likes carrots.

Anyway, the reason we host an alternative is because I think the anticipation of and the moments during an event like this can be the PINNACLE or the BOTTOM of any student's high school career. And lately these dances have deteriorated even further than you or I know. There are some dangerous aspects to be sure. I could go through them all here, but I don't want to get all preachy. I suggest you spend some time with a kid who has been to a school dance (trust me, it does not have to be a "public" school dance) and then get them talking about what they experienced. I have a deejay friend who could tell you stories . . . So forget the alcohol, the pre-dance gatherings at people's houses and the immodest dress. I'm not talking about what goes on in cars or at the all-night hotel parties. Any parent with some insight understands that stuff. My beef is with what occurs during the event itself.

The lyrics of the songs and the "dance" styles themselves are utterly unnaceptable. As a white kid, I can say that there are very few white kids who can dance. What we wind up doing looks nothing like dancing. Again, just ask a kid who has been there. 'Nough said about that.

But the dressing up with friends? That is sweet. The lifetime memories as you peer across the table and try to figure out why you have three forks? Golden! Young men dressed up and purposefully trying to remember what manners are? I love that! A two-hour boat tour on one of the greatest bodies of water on the planet? Count me in.

So tonight is all about 50 students and adults making a memory that will probably never fade from their minds. This night tells girls to be modest, guys to respect girls (and learn to carry on a conversation, for goodness' sake), and high school students to remember that they are not supposed to have some life that discludes adults. We're supposed to live together, right?

So, Nikki and I embrace and celebrate the "Prom" idea (separated from some of the aforementioned). As old timers who are somehow safe (considered so by parents first, and students reluctantly), we want to help students celebrate and learn to connect in healthy relationships as long as they'll "let" us.

"And now, as my son would say, it is time to party."
-George Banks in Father of the Bride