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THEPRESS.NET
APRIL 8, 2016
COMMUNITY
Homeschoolers go to prom in style by Heather Brewer Staff Writer For many high school kids, prom is the culmination of the school year, but not all students attend traditional schools that take care of the production behind the festivities. For the fifth year, Vista Oaks Charter School, a local homeschool program serving all of East County, is helping their students have one of the quintessential high school experiences, by hosting a prom at Cornerstone Christian School, at East 18th St., in Antioch, on April 16, from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. āTeenage homeschoolers should experience a prom just like any other teenager,ā said Charmaine Abasolo, outreach coordinator with Vista Oaks. āItās a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation, and as kids get older and become young adults, they should have more formal events to attend. Not only is it fun, but it also allows them to practice how to dress and behave at a formal event. These are skills they will use for the rest of their lives. Being a homeschooler, you do not have many opportunities to attend prom, because public schools do not invite homeschoolers to attend their functions, which is why I have been doing a prom for homeschoolers for the last five years.ā In addition to her work with Vista
Homeschool students with Vista Oaks Charter School gather for priceless photos during their prom last year. Every year, the students plan and organize their prom, from the theme to the food, and everything in between.
Photos courtesy of Charmaine Abasolo
Oaks, Abasolo also homeschools her daughter, Errin, so she has a unique picture into what homeschool students want for their events. āAfter the first prom five years ago, I asked the kids how they liked it, and if they wanted to do another one,ā she said. āThey loved it and absolutely wanted to do another one. Each year, itās up to the kids if they want to plan
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it, since itās a lot of work, but they love it and keep returning year after year to plan another one.ā The students do more than plan the prom ā they make most of the decisions and put in the effort to get the event off the ground. āTo set up a homeschool prom, I always start with gathering a prom committee,ā said Abasolo. āIām not going to do everything - these teens need to learn how to plan a large event like this, how much time it takes and how much money. So, they (plan) everything from decorations, food and drinks to what price point to charge, so they can have everything they want at prom. We meet weekly and slowly plan everything from a D.J. to dessert, and Cornerstone gave us their room to use for free.ā
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For their part, the students are more than happy to put in the work for the event, as the effort makes the evening even more special. āI feel that to experience a prom is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,ā said Errin Abasolo. āI think everyone should have the chance to go to a prom, even if you are homeschooled. I love the formality of it - I like to get dressed up for the night and know that this special night is just for my friends and me. I also love the part of the night where we can all just dance and have fun. Itās all one huge (celebration) Iām so grateful I got the opportunity to experience.ā For more information about Vista Oaks Charter School, visit www. vistaoaks.net. To comment, visit www.thepress.net.
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