a blank slate media/litmor publications special section • may 17, 2019
34 PROM & GRADUATION • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, May 17, 2019
Have fun at the prom regardless of the company you keep
P
rom is a milestone steeped in tradition. Perhaps because of that, many teenagers put immense pressure on themselves to make sure that their prom experiences are perfect. Some of the stress that results from that desire for a perfect prom experience stems from who to take as a date. It’s a misconception that every person who intends to attend the prom must have a steady boyfriend or girlfriend. In fact, it’s perfectly acceptable, and even common, to attend prom without a date. The
latest research from YouGov, a data- and informationgathering site engaging communities, found that among Americans who went to prom, only around half (51 percent) went with a date. It’s possible to have a great time at the prom even if you attend without a date. Teenagers should feel confident and have fun whether they attend prom with a date, a friend, a group, or even alone. Here are some ways to maximize the fun. ¡ Leave the expectations behind. Even though prom fever may not be as intense
/ ½ - " 1 , Ä?
as it was for generations past, teens may ultimately regret skipping their proms. Attend the prom with no expectations except mingling with classmates, having a bite to eat and making a few memories to share with others in the future. Prom can provide an early foray into feeling special by donning formal attire, a chance that, for teens, doesn’t come around all that often.
¡ Mingle as much as possible. Solo prom-goers have the benefit of being able to converse and move between different groups of people. This can inspire entertaining conversation throughout the night, and can even help students form stronger bonds with their friends. ¡ Get up and dance. The DJ or the band will be playing, so grab a partner and get out on
6 , - Ä? , 9 t Ă“ Ç 9 Ä? , - - , 6
the dance floor. Now is not the time to be self-conscious. Students who are going off to college or careers may not see their classmates often after prom night, so make the most of the night by cutting a rug. Attending prom can be a great experience whether teenagers have a date on their arm or attend alone.
/ " 1
/ 9 t
/ , ½- / /" "" "1, *, 6Ä?/ ,"" ", 9"1, -* Ä? 6 /\
%1//70+105 %10(+4/#6+105 )4#&7#6+105 5*19'45 #0& /14' 4GUGTXCVKQPU TGSWKTGF HQT NCTIG RCTVKGU #NN OQOU TGEGKXG C EQORNKOGPVCT[ INCUU QH YKPG 7 " , *, 8 8 1 ", fÂŁ{°™xÂŤÂŤ Ä? , ", fÓ£°™xÂŤÂŤ
RII
;QWT &KPPGT %JGEM
HTQO QWT FKPKPI TQQO OGPW
ˆ˜° fÇx° ÂœĂŒ ĂŒÂœ Li Vœ“Lˆ˜i` ĂœÂˆĂŒÂ… >Â˜Ăž ÂœĂŒÂ…iĂ€ ÂœvviÀ° -Ă•Â˜`>Ăž ĂŒÂ…Ă€ÂœĂ•}Â… /Â…Ă•Ă€Ăƒ`>Þ° ÂœĂŒ Ă›>Â?ˆ` œ˜ ÂœĂŒÂ…iĂ€Â˝Ăƒ >Þ° ˆ˜i œ˜ œ˜Â?Þ° Ă?° ĂˆĂ‰ÂŁ{É£™
+037+4' #$176 174 /#0; &'.+%+175 %#6'4+0) 2#%-#)'5 %CVGTKPI #XCKNCDNG ^ +PENWFGU (TGG 5GV WR &GNKXGT[
>“ˆÂ?Ăž "ĂœÂ˜i` E "ÂŤiĂ€>ĂŒi` -ˆ˜Vi £™™Ó
-HULFKR 7SNH 0LQHROD EORFNV (DVW RI +HUULFNV 5G
ZZZ FXJLQLSL]]D FRP
2SHQ 'D\V 0RQ 7KXUV DP SP )UL 6DW DP SP 6XQ 1RRQ SP
&+(&. 287 285 '$,/< 63(&,$/6 :( '(/,9(5 1RZ RQOLQH # *UXEKXE FRP
Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, May 17, 2019 • PROM & GRADUATION
39
Helpful tips for a budget-friendly prom P
rom is a momentous night in the lives of teenagers. Prom night is often described as a night teens will never forget, but it can be just as memorable to parents footing the bill for the festivities. A 2015 survey from Visa found that families spend in the neighborhood of $900 on prom. While costs fluctuate and may have risen or declined since then, parents can expect the cost of financing a teenager’s prom night to be several hundred dollars or more. Budgetconscious parents might be inclined to run and hide their wallets upon hearing such estimates, but there’s no need to apply for loans as prom night approaches. In fact,
there are several ways teens and their parents can enjoy prom without breaking the bank. · Borrow rather than buy. Whether you’re in the market for a dress or a tuxedo for prom night, don’t overlook the option to rent rather than buy. Prom night attire tends to be formal, and teens likely won’t need such attire again for years to come. By then, teens’ personal taste and general consumer preferences will likely have changed, rendering dresses and tuxedos one-night wonders. Renting a dress or tuxedo is more budget-friendly. · Travel in packs. Traveling to and from prom in style often means renting a limousine
for the night. This classic way to get about town on prom night can be expensive. Thumbtack, which connects local consumers with local businesses, notes that the average cost of renting a limousine is between $95 and $130 per hour, with many services requiring a minimum rental time of three hours. Splitting that cost with friends is budget-friendly and can make the night more fun. Many companies charge more per passenger, but traveling in packs is still less expensive than it would be for a couple to go it alone. · Accessorize with some help from mom and dad. Rather than buying new jewelry or other accessories for prom night, teenagers can borrow
such items from their parents. Ask dad if you can wear some special cuff links and spend time alongside mom going through her jewelry box for accessories like necklaces and earrings. This can save money and make the night more special for mom and dad.
Prom night can be memorable and expensive. Budget-conscious families can take steps to save money while still ensuring teenagers enjoy a night they will remember for the rest of their lives.
40 PROM & GRADUATION • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, May 17, 2019
Make good use of your final days as a student as graduation nears G
raduation is the culmination of a lengthy journey students take in pursuit of their academic and professional goals. As graduation day draws near, it can be tempting for students to take their foot off the gas and spend their time having fun with their fellow students before everyone goes their separate ways. Such an attitude can derail years of hard work. Though the temptation of celebrating with friends may be hard to resist, the following are some ways prospective graduates can stay on course as graduation day draws near. · Maintain your academic focus. It can be easy to get caught up in upcoming celebrations and the next
chapter in your life, but students should stay the academic course until their final day in the classroom. Keeping grades up is important, as no one wants to put graduation at risk when it is so close . · Familiarize yourself with your school’s guidance office. Guidance counselors often provide information on coursework and future schooling options, but they can guide you in other ways as well. Some guidance offices double as career placement services, helping students prepare résumés, cover letters and portfolios. Some also help students with career assesments that can guide them as they look to begin their careers as professionals.
· Gather some references. The organizers behind the Sales Innovation Expo, a professional networking gathering, indicate that 85 percent of jobs are filled through networking. Begin talking with all of the people you can, particularly during internships or volunteer opportunities. Contact trusted confidantes, be it current or former supervisors and professors, to serve as references. · Have an idea of your next steps. It’s not necessary to have everything mapped out just yet, but you should have a good idea of whether you’re going on to more schooling, taking a vocational career tract, entering the workforce, or
even taking some time to travel. Create a road map on paper showing where you want to be and when. · Plan for some downtime. After all of this hard work and dedication, set some time aside after the graduation celebration to
recharge your batteries. Some time off can help you focus on the future when you’re rested and ready to approach new goals. Taking certain steps leading up to graduation can help you focus more readily on the future.
Tips for grad party planners
G
raduation is a milestone moment worthy of celebration. Whether newly minted graduates will be pursuing further education after donning their caps and gowns or embarking on their lives as professionals, come commencement season, graduates and their families should pause to celebrate and recognize the hard work it took for grads to earn their degrees.
Graduation parties provide perfect opportunities for grads to unwind and celebrate their achievements. People tasked with planning such festivities can heed the following tips to make sure the party is one grads won’t soon forget. · Personalize the affair. Much like birthday parties, graduation parties are celebrating a particular guest of honor. As a result, planners should not hesitate to personalize graduation parties
so they reflect the grad who’s being honored. If the guest of honor just earned his or her law degree, order a cake in the shape of Lady Justice. Planners tasked with honoring college grads on their way to medical school can ask guests to don scrubs or white coats. Such personal touches can add fun to the festivities while still honoring the new grad. · Ask grads before devising the guest list. Since the day is all about the recent graduate,
let him or her provide input about the guest list. Some grads may be uncomfortable serving as the focal point of a large soirée, while others may prefer family gatherings or less formal affairs with only friends. The goal of the party is to celebrate the new graduate, so make sure they’re comfortable with who is in attendance. If grads choose a friend-heavy guest list, plan a dinner out with family on another night. · Invite teachers. Some graduates form strong bonds with teachers who helped them get through difficult coursework or provided invaluable advice during their academic careers. Make sure these people, who may include teachers past and
present, are invited to the party, and recognize their role in helping the guest of honor achieve his or her academic and professional goals. · Speak with other parents/ planners. Graduation season is a social time of year. Planners and parents can speak with one another to ensure that parties are not scheduled on the same day. This allows all graduates to enjoy their moment in the sun and ensures friends won’t miss the chance to celebrate one another’s accomplishments. Planners and parents can even coordinate parties together if graduates express a desire to do so.