Class Act: Making prom affordable

High school dances can get expensive when dress and tux costs, dinners out, and ticket prices add up. In tonight's Class Act Beartooth NBC shows us how a group of students is working to make prom memorable for all of their peers.

It's not uncommon to see high school students working the concession stand at an afternoon basketball game. But it's not often that those kids use their earnings to help classmates in need.

"I kind of feel like we're learning to be more caring or be more involved in the community.  I've watched the senior class and they're so involved and I just wanted to be like that," says Prom Committee member, Sarah Bryson.

A group of juniors at Helena High have made it their mission to make prom affordable for their peers.

"No one should spend that much money to enjoy their senior prom," says Prom Committee member, Donavan Hilbert.

One idea they've come up with at their lunchtime planning meetings is to have a used dress drive.

"We want to make things easier on them. You know, you already have school to worry about.  Why worry about getting a prom dress?" says Junior Class President, Donavan Hilbert.

They're also cutting back the ticket prices.

"We're trying to make it more affordable so we can have more people come and have a good time," says Junior Class VP, Hans Harris.

And reaching out to anyone who can help with other prom expenses like photographers, restaurants, and dry cleaners for the used dresses.

"We're trying to get as much of the community involved as we can and stay local and reach out for some help, I guess, and see if we can work something out and keep it cheap for everyone," says Harris.

The students' generosity is impacting their classmates and teachers.

"I love what I do and I just smile, I look at them, I'm saying I'm so proud to be a teacher, to be a part of this community and to see the kids making an impact so young," says HHS teacher, Randy Hussey.

Coming up with innovative ways to cut back on prom cost makes Helena High's prom planning committee a Class Act.

Used prom dresses can be brought to the Helena High School office labeled 'Attention Prom Committee.' 

To get in touch with the planning committee, please contact Mr. Randy Hussey at (406) 324-2304 or by email at rhussey@helena.k12.mt.us

Story by Kaelyn Kelly, Beartooth NBC.
Sponsored by Sylvan Learning Center of Helena.
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