NHS Boosters Club and After Prom 2024

Saturday April 13 was prom night for juniors and seniors at Niwot High School, held this year at the Boulder Theater. And with prom, comes after prom, which was organized, set-up, and moderated by the parent volunteers of the Niwot High School Boosters, Inc., at Niwot High School. After prom is an event held to ensure students have a fun and safe environment after the festivities of the dance itself. This event is one of the big Boosters' expenditures of the year, other than grants to various NHS organizations

The theme for after prom this year was "Welcome to the Circus." After prom was canceled in 2020, and nearly canceled in 2021, due to Covid-19, but the themes have been grand ever since. For example, in 2023, the after prom theme was "Galactic Groove."

"We wanted to do a theme that wasn't your cliche 'Beach Party' or 'Casino Night,'" said Donna Blondeau, president of the Booster Club. "The decision behind the circus came from the idea that students don't get to go to a genuine, real circus anymore." She said that students may experience other school dances or formal functions, but there will only be one or two proms and after proms for most. So those events should be particularly memorable.

Among the activity options this year were 10 inflatables (like bounce-houses), karaoke, laser tag, a 50-person Twister game, yard games in the wrestling loft, tarot card readers ("for entertainment only"), and for more mellow party-goers, there was a board game room and a showing of the film "The Greatest Showman" in the library.

An award-winning magician-comedian performed at two 20-30 minute shows, but also wandered throughout the venue all night to provide entertainment to all students. "If a kid couldn't find something to do, that wasn't our fault," said Blondeau.

Over 430 students attended (a possible record turnout for Niwot) and over 140 prizes were won, valued at over $9,500. This undertaking took over 80 volunteers to set up, monitor the event, and cleanup afterwards. They included Stacee McGovern, Helen Gabbard, Jessica Fitches, Joy Leaves, Marni Ratzel, and Ginger Tatic.

NHS' Booster Club states on https://www.nhsboosters.net/aboutus" target="_blank">its website, "We differ from traditional boosters clubs in that we support all athletic teams, the performing and fine arts, and extracurricular clubs. Our goal is to foster participation in activities beyond the classroom to help develop well-rounded, active and engaged students. We offer opportunities for students and parents to get involved in, not just in the school community, but the surrounding communities too."

What the statement doesn't mention is what an incredible team they really have.

The Booster Club is an active parent organization. Members provide meals for teachers during Parent-Teacher Conference nights and Teacher Appreciation Week. They organize parent socials, collaborate with the Niwot High School Education Foundation, fundraise, sell spirit wear, and provide grants to school organizations. The Boosters help make NHS a successful and supportive community for students and families.

"I've been with the boosters for seven years," said Blondeau, who became president in May of 2020. Both of Blondeau's children, Aria (class of 2021) and Merrick (class of 2024) went through the Niwot school system.

Blondeau started her journey with parent involvement when her children attended Niwot Elementary School, where she became the President of the Parent Teacher Advisory Council for three years.

This will be Blondeau's final year serving as the president of the Boosters Club after her son, Merrick, graduates. "It has been so special to be a part of the 50th anniversary for both the elementary celebration and the high school. [Leaving] is bittersweet, but I'm really proud of where we've come and how we've grown in our involvement and fundraising." Blondeau added that there's still a lot more to do with whoever becomes the next president, but feels that she has been able to make the program more recognized and versatile, not only across the school, but in the community.

Learn more about the Booster Club by visiting https://www.nhsboosters.net/ and follow them on Instagram @niwotboosters