GRANTS, N.M. - Community response was overwhelming to the social media post by the sponsor for the Grants High School Class of 2022 fundraiser. The GHS prom plans were recently approved, and organizers promptly moved forward with plans. Businesses immediately expressed support to the query on Cibola Community Awareness Group on Facebook that was posted on April 1.
As determined by GHS tradition, the junior class typically spearheads prom planning. According to Amy DeGroat, the junior class sponsor, because of COVID-19 the junior class has not had the opportunity to fundraise as usual. They also were not entirely sure that they would be having a traditional prom event.
However, they recently received word that GHS would be able to hold a “non-traditional outdoor prom,” which left the junior class excited but also scrambling for ways to quickly initiate fundraising activities. DeGroat included all this information in her post and then asked if any business would be willing to help.
The post received a total of 73 comments, with the small to large businesses/ organizations expressing an interest. The list included KMG Makeup Addicts, Rowdy Diesel Performance, a small decorating service, H&R Block, Parkhurst Pharmacy, T-Bone’s Gym, Youth Visions Inc., Diamond G Home Center, Custom Etching & Gifts, Walmart, Grants Community Pantry, Pizza 9, Martin’s Wood Services, Sign FX, Distinked Ink, Mt. Taylor Federal Credit Union, Cibola General Hospital, Grants/Cibola County Chamber of Commerce, New Mexico Mining Museum, Tom Fitzsimmons-State Farm Insurance, Bella’s Boutique, 1912 Market, Uranium City Winery, Fizz-Bomblady-Aquamarine Senior Leader, and Strickland Services. There were also 16 other individuals from all different backgrounds from across the community who commented about wanting to donate and help in any way possible.
“You know at first, I want to say I was shocked at the outpouring of support but that’s not completely true. While I am humbled and in awe, I know that we live in an amazing community which is very giving and supportive of their youth,” commented DeGroat about the response.
“It feels amazing to know I work in and am raising my kids in such a great place. I have lived in other places and I have never seen the community support that I see in Cibola County.”
Since plans are going to be last minute, DeGroat is currently figuring out all that will be needed for the prom. Some of those items include things like tickets, trinkets, souvenirs, black plastic, twinkly lights, and decorations that fit the selected theme. Organizers have not yet named a theme, but some of the ideas currently in the running are Ancient Greece, Starry Night, Fairy Tale, Under the Sea, Masquerade, and The Four Seasons.
The high school plans to facilitate the event while adhering to all state mandated COVID-19 guidelines, DeGroat explained, “NMPED [New Mexico Public Education Department] said schools can have prom but we must meet COVID guidelines based on county color guidelines; since Cibola is yellow currently, all plans will fully comply with yellow level regulations. Our plans include provisions so that we will be able to divide kids into small cohorts and manage the groups.”
The school fully intends to follow these guidelines while providing a safe, fun time for students, according to officials. The GHS tennis courts have thus far been considered a “top contender” location for the event.
DeGroat provided information for anyone who might be interested in helping.
“I am currently organizing a donation drive. It will be later this week or early next week. This will be a time where both private party or business will be able to bring cash donations to the school. Watch social media for more information on this date. All donations will directly impact the class of 2022…. If businesses or individuals would rather donate items, assistance, skills and so on, they can contact myself at amy.degroat@gccs.k12.nm.us or through the high school at 505-285-2651,” said the junior class sponsor.
Asked how the students are feeling about the prom that they did not think they would get to have and the community’s efforts to help them, the Class of 2022 sponsor said, “Students are so excited to have prom. I have [had] lots of seniors and juniors visit my classroom today telling me how excited they are that they get to have a prom…. We at GHS and the class of 2022 (also 2021 because the seniors are so excited) would like to extend our deepest appreciation to the community for their dedicated support. GHS for Success!”