For this year’s Norwood High seniors, the Post Prom Party was a scene right out of Hollywood and Vine where students celebrated “Lights, Camera, Norwood” in those Hollywood Hills. It was held on Friday, May 16, at the Norwood Recreation Department’s Civic Center on a rainy spring evening.
The 21st annual Norwood Post Prom Party, which is sponsored by the Norwood School/Community Substance Advisory Council, partied with a Hollywood theme that brought you from the prom onto the red carpet. Everyone found himself or herself surrounded by the Chinese Theater’s Walk of Fame, paparazzi, directors’ chairs and famous celebrities that partied all night long.
After the prom, which was held at the Seaport Hotel in Boston, students continued to enjoy this year’s popular all-night party. Seniors and their dates arrived at the Civic after shedding their formal attire and happily accepting the theme designed T-shirts created by senior, Josh Mergl. They submitted their names for the ongoing donated prizes, walked past the life-size Oscars and into a display of spotlights, cameras, stars and multi-colored balloons.
All guests were feted to key chain souvenirs, 40 pizzas donated by Town Pizza, Friendly’s ice cream sundaes, Island Oasis smoothies, pails of pasta, chicken and salad from the OCC, Bon Caldo and the Chateau. Entertainment included 3 caricaturists, Olde Time Photos, tattoo booths, Lyp-Sync and Hollywood Twister. The Oscars for Mr. Lovely Legs went to Jonathan Finnell and Ms. Muscle Beach was Kelley “The Rock” O’Connor. The up-all-night crowd played Limbo, Hula Hoop, Pass the Orange, and Mummy Wrap contests until sunrise.
Steve Way, NHS Class of ’81, of ALPS (Advanced Lighting Productions) used the students’ decorations, colored lights, Hollywood Hills and twinkled archways to transform the gym into a scenario that coordinated with the desired theme. Entertainment chairperson and DJ Mr.Ed Mullen, organized all the students’ activities.
He announced the final raffle prizes donated by family, friends and supporters of the substance-free party. Grand Prize was two Red Sox tickets donated by Dempsey Insurance which were won by Michael Maggio. The most significant donors were the Norwood Bank, Norwood Police Association, Norwood High PTA Craft Affair at Norwood, Roche Bros of Westwood and NHS S.A.D.D. Chapter.
Observing all of the night’s activities were the members of the Class of 2009 Junior Decorating Committee who now have become part of next year’s planners.
The success of each previous party is increased by the parents and students’ and their active participation with the planning, designing, setting up and breaking down.
Jerry Miller, Superintendent of the Norwood Recreation Department said, “This party works because it is more than just a dance, it’s the place to be.”
The juniors have already expressed their anticipation for next year with many ideas surfacing for their own post prom party.
