Last Friday, March 17th, a “Raider Nation Dance” was held at the Ocean City High School for local 8th graders who will be attending the high school next year. The purpose of the dance was to allow 8th graders from the Ocean City Intermediate School, Upper Township Middle School, and those accepted through the School Choice Program to meet before the school year began, all while raising money for the Ocean City High School After Prom.
The idea for the “Raider Nation Dance” was brought to life with the help of an 8th grader from the Ocean City Intermediate School, Katie Bowman, who mentioned to her parents that the students were asking for a dance or event to bring the future class of 2021 together. Jennifer and Charlie Bowman, who are both on the OCHS After Prom committee, mentioned the idea to fellow committee members, Amy and Bill Holmes, who saw it as a wonderful fundraising idea that modeled the message of the OCHS After Prom efforts. The After Prom is a non-profit organization that works to offer our students a safe and welcoming alternative to the temptation of alcohol and drugs.
The “Raider Nation Dance” was a complete success with 148 students in attendance from the Class of 2021. There was a $10 admission fee and after expenses were paid, the OCHS After Prom Committee was able to raise around $1,100.
Upper Township Middle School Principal Jeff Leeds and Guidance Counselor Tracey LeFever alongside Intermediate School Principal Geoff Haines and Guidance Counselor Shannon Pruitt, as they sign-in students for the dance.
“So many people worked together for the good of these children. It really brought communities together from both sides of the bridge and was something very positive that we should capitalize on as a district and be proud of. I cannot say enough good about it.”- Jennifer Bowman, OCHS After Prom Co-Chairperson.
Parents from both the Ocean City Intermediate School and Upper Township Middle School volunteered their time to help decorate the Ocean City High School Cafeteria, while staff members from both schools chaperoned. The Intermediate School Principal Geoff Haines and Guidance Counselor Shannon Pruitt signed students in alongside Upper Township Middle School Principal Jeff Leeds and Guidance Counselor Tracey LeFever. There were even a few special guests, including the Ocean City School District Mascot, Howie, and outgoing seniors who represent the student led “Raider Nation” group, Meghan Kennan and Lexi Sharp. They welcomed the class of 2021 as they entered, helping to lighten the mood. The DJ even did his part by playing songs that had the kids interacting with one another.
“The kids were so appreciative and we definitely plan on doing this again next year!”- Jennifer Bowman
A special thank you to Jen Ellias and Chris Viverelli of community policing for helping keep our students safe.
The “Raider Nation Dance” helped to kick-start the OCHS After Prom committee’s fundraising efforts for the 2017 Prom. They are in the process of distributing informational brochures on what it takes to put together a successful After Prom for our students and how you can help by volunteering your time or by donating financially.
For more information on how you can help support the OCHS After Prom, contact Amy Holmes at (609) 703-5331 or Jennifer Bowman at (609) 425- 1474.
