Without Prom, High School Senior Plans Her Own & Invites Peers

Without a traditional prom, a Harry S. Truman High School senior is setting one up herself.

Shannon Prendergast, of the Bristol Township’s Croydon section, has been spearheading to the effort to organize a non-school affiliated prom for Truman seniors in the classes of 2020 and 2021. Seniors from other surrounding schools are also invited.

The event will be the evening of Thursday, June 17 at Falls Manor Catering and Special Events on New Falls Road in Bristol Township. Tickets are currently for sale for $70, the lowest price Prendergast could arrange.

The event will have food, music from a D.J., photo booth, and other prom staples.

While Prendergast is looking forward to the carnival that will be held in place of a prom at Truman, she wanted a more traditional prom experience.

“I just wanted something more,” she said.

Prendergast teamed up with her mom and other local families of high school seniors to start planning.

“A lot of us were really upset about the pandemic taking things away, so it’s exciting that we could have something,” she said.

“As a little girl, I was running around in big dresses and I was always so excited about this. I have waited for this for 12 years,” she added.

Prendergast admitted she is a bit nervous because the rental is in her name and she’s planning the event.

But this isn’t the first event she planned.

When her freshman formal was cancelled, she and some friends planned a smaller event that was held at her family’s backyard. She also played a big role in preparing her family’s famed local Halloween display.

So far, the feedback on the prom-like celebration has been positive.

“I’ve been hearing a lot from people at Truman. It’s been positive, and I’ve heard from teachers who are excited,” she said.

There’s room for 150 to 175 kids and Prendergast needs at least 75 attendees to make it work.

Some students have reached out to say that they’re not in the position to buy tickets. In return, some area residents and businesses have stepped up to cover the cost for those students. Businesses or locals interested in sponsoring a students’ attendance can contact Prendergast for more information.

Colleen Prendergast, Shannon’s mom, said she’s proud of her daughter’s drive to set up the event.

“I wasn’t surprised when I heard she was doing this. She’s a leader and this isn’t farfetched,” she said.

“She’s taking total responsibility for it. She put out the money.”

As schools across the country nixed traditional prom formats due to the pandemic, students and parents across the country have organized similar events without the schools being involved. Just recently, students in the Council Rock School District had their own dance outside of school.

“She’s really looking forward to it and the others are looking forward to it,” Shannon’s mom said. “I’m just glad it’s not in our backyard.”

For information on tickets, click here.

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