Prom girls High school students at Freshwater Education District in Staples will have the chance to attend the school's first prom May 2, at the Batcher Opera House in Staples. The event is being made possible by donations from the Staples World photo by Dawn Schimpp Timbs community; a supportive teaching staff; and the hard work and inspiration of a few students. Pictured above, from left, are Amber Schommer, Kady Golden, Chelsea Kemp and LaManda Hattaway, organizers of the prom. Prom - it's a first time endeavor for the Freshwater Education District in Staples, an alternative classroom setting that's offered to area high school students.

"We're pretty excited about it," said Kady Golden, a junior at Freshwater and one of the coordinators of the special event that's set for May 2, at the historic Batcher Opera House in Staples.

A sit-down gourmet meal is in the works (prepared by Freshwater teachers), followed by the Grand March and three hours of dance music provided by a dj.

"Chelsea Kemp's the one that really got things

going," Kady said recently

of her fellow classmate. "She got the Batcher Opera

House booked; and first started getting the teachers involved," Kady added appreciatively.

Chelsea smiled and said she couldn't believe how well things were coming together, especially since the decision to hold a prom happened less than six weeks ago.

"We found out that we couldn't go to prom at Staples Motley High School unless we attended at least one class for a quarter," Kady said.

Rather than bemoan the fact that they might not be able to go to prom, Kady said she and her friends decided to do something about it.

"We started asking the teachers if they thought we could hold our own

prom and they were really

supportive," Chelsea said. "Jana Timm really helped

us out a lot," she added.

Jana, a facilitator of the prom, has worked for the Freshwater Education District for the past six years as a lead teacher and a special ed. teacher.

"It's a great program," Jana said. "It's seat-based learning in an alternative setting, 30 hours a week," she added.

Although there had been some confusion in regard to ALC students attending the SMHS prom, everyone at Freshwater seems convinced that everything has turned out for the best.

"I'm very proud of these kids," Jana said. "They've taken a positive approach to this whole situation."

According to officials at SMHS, there has been no change in school policy concerning prom.

"Students from the ALC program have always been welcome to come to our prom if they are invited as a guest by a junior or senior," said SMHS Principal Dean Ogg.

This year, ALC students are excited to be the ones inviting guests to their own prom.

In addition to the students' upbeat attitudes, Jana said she has been impressed with their hard work and diligence in making prom a reality.

"This is not in the Freshwater budget, so the students have been working really hard on their own to get donations," Jana said.

The community has been extremely supportive, Jana said. "Colleen Donley has donated the Batcher Opera House; the dj is being provided by Sue Boehland (Freshwater Coordinator); and CLC (Central Lakes College) students have agreed to donate their photography services."

Many others have also stepped up to the plate to make sure May 2 is a special evening.

The students have sent out a bunch of letters, too, letting local businesses know that they will be willing to do yardwork in exchange for money to help finance the prom.

"The kids have been helping to set things up at the Opera House; and they've agreed to help with the clean up, too," Jana said.

Jana said she is extremely proud of the girls' efforts. "Their enthusiasm is contagious, Jana said. "I think we're as excited as they are about the prom."

The evening begins at 6 p.m., with dinner at the Freshwater Education building.

"It's a sit-down meal, prepared and served by the Freshwater staff," Jana said.

The menu will include grilled steak, chicken cordon-bleu, caesar salad and cheesecake for dessert. "The teachers are even bringing in their fine china for the event," Jana added. "It will be simple, but elegant."

After dinner, the students will move on to the historic Batcher Opera House, where a time for mingling with parents and friends has been set aside.

The Grand March begins at 7:30 p.m.; followed by the dj hosted music from 8 - 11 p.m.

Because the opera house is so beautiful on its own, the students did not have to budget for many decorations, Jana said. "We could focus mainly on making sure we had enough money for good food and good music. Those are the priorities."

The ALC program is for all high school students who have not yet graduated, up to age 21. "We're allowing any of our students to come to prom. I'd say the majority of them are juniors and seniors," Jana said.

Approximately 30 students have signed up already. "We're hoping that

we'll have at least 40 at our

first prom," Chelsea said. "It's going to be a night to

remember."