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Partly Cloudy Post-prom event a 'safe haven' for seniors
Long Beach High School graduate Samantha Shreck reminisced about her favorite moments on the night of her high school prom at Chateau Briand on June 21.
“My expectations were high — dancing all night, having fun with my friends — that’s what I did,” Shreck said. “Having fun with my friends made it memorable.”
Like most students, Shreck danced the night away at the formal ceremony before heading to the school’s annual Morning Madness post-prom festivities, an event that is designed to provide seniors with a memorable night that is alcohol free.
For more than 20 years, the Long Beach High School PTSA Morning Madness Committee has worked with the Long Beach School District to ensure a safe evening for students.
“I think it’s a very valiant effort on their part and they work tirelessly all year long to render support from the community,” said Shreck’s mother, Jennifer. “I never even gave it a second thought because I knew that she’d be in good hands the rest of the night, which is good as a parent.”
According to Committee Co-Chair Randi Andosca, the 21st annual event, which was held at Dave and Buster’s, attracted approximately 175 seniors and their dates this year.
“We achieved a calm, drug-free and alcohol-free event this year,” Andosca said. “The most important thing is that the kids are having a good time and that they’re safe.”
The Morning Madness Committee — co-chaired by Andosca, Linda Birnbaum, Betsy Glazer, Rhonda Healy, Gina Knauer, AnnMarie Scandole and Committee Chairs Emeritus Darlene Tangney, Maria Martin and — strives to raise enough funds throughout the school year to create a ‘safe haven’ for students, according to Andosca, complete with food, games, entertainment and prizes.
“We just want prom night to remain a safe and fun memory, said Co-Chair Betsy Glazer. “We want to make sure that [students] are OK on prom night and to show that they can have fun without alcohol.”
The evening’s festivities included billiards, karaoke and music provided by a DJ, while several local delis and restaurants in the West End, including Lido Kosher Deli, Bagel Café and Mio Posto, provided refreshments.
