Raider's Digest
Contest cash promises bigger, better MirageFriday, March 02, 2012 By Samantha Aguilar
A second place victory in the Hulen Mall “My School’s Cool” competition with a whopping $3,000 prize will make this year’s prom after party will be bigger and better than in past years, organizers say. With the winnings, Mirage will feature casino games and special remembrance favors from PicFlips, a company specialized in custom flipbook animation, along with the usual prize giveaways throughout the night. “That’s what’s helping us commit to extra entertainment,” said Mrs. Beverly Stookey, co-chairman of the 2012 Mirage committee. This was the first year Southwest participated in the mall’s competition. The program runs twice a year, spring semester and again fall semester. Shoppers were asked to place their Hulen Mall receipts in a designated locker in the center of the mall. The schools whose supporters spent the most money during the contest time won cash. Along with the mall money, senior parents raise funds for the senior prom after party through events such as restaurant nights, poinsettia sales in the winter, Taste of Southwest, and possibly a faculty talent show. Although the committee does not have a specific financial goal that must be met in order to sponsor the event, all funds go toward paying for the venue, added entertainment, and raffle prize giveaways. “It’s kind of a matter of how great of a party you want to have,” Mrs. Stookey said. Mirage is planned as a safe alternative to private after prom parties. This year it will be at Alley Cats in Arlington from midnight to 6 a.m., with a pizza buffet throughout the night and a pancake breakfast before students leave. Students do not have to go to prom in order to go to Mirage or vice versa, but if a student would like to bring a date who is an underclassman or who does not attend Southwest, the person must be his or her prom date. Tickets for seniors range from $25 the first week they go on sale to $30; guests pay $30 and $35. “It’s for our seniors and their prom guests,” Mrs. Stookey said. Mrs. Stookey, who is chairing the event for the second time, has help from co-chairman and senior parent Stacey Pate. The budget, which has slowly decreased over the years, is said to be similar to that from 2009, thanks to the mall reward. Although the two parties will be similar, students still look forward to spending time with friends and playing games. “Usually we don’t get to hang out at nighttime,” said senior Victoria Mendoza. “So it will be fun.” |