Sumter High School parents organize 'Prom Part Two'
May 13 event for seniors and dates is in addition to the school’s prom held Saturday; masks not required
In an effort to provide as many memories as possible for the Class of 2021, a group of Sumter High School senior parents are organizing an additional prom for the school's seniors.
Kipper Ackerman, a parent of a Sumter High senior, spoke recently on "Prom Part Two," to be held on Thursday, May 13, at The O'Donnell House, 120 E. Liberty St., in the downtown area for seniors and their dates if they choose to have one.
The indoor/outdoor event will have a capacity of 250, and masks are not required but will be up to the individuals, she said. If school seniors choose to bring a date, the person must at least be in high school or no older than 19.
Dessert and drinks will be served, and without mask and social distancing requirements, "Prom Part Two" will have more of a regular prom feel to it than the high school's official prom on Saturday - which followed COVID-19 protocol - but Ackerman said organizers only planned for it to be in addition to the school's prom and not in lieu of it.
"This is simply an addition to help provide as many memorable opportunities as possible for the Class of 2021," Ackerman said.
Local DJ Howie D will be handling the entertainment, and a photographer will also be on hand. Prom Part Two is scheduled for 8 to 11 p.m.
Tickets are $30, Ackerman said, and community donations are welcomed to offset event costs.
Any extra funds after expenses are covered will be donated to the Sumter High School Memorial Scholarship Fund, she added.
Ackerman complimented Sumter High officials for their efforts in putting together "Prom-ish, The 2021 Promdemic Experience," amid safety protocols on Saturday on the school's campus for juniors and seniors. The high school's principal, Nicholas Pearson, said Monday that about 100 students attended the event, which was planned to be held in a grassy area in front of the building but was moved inside because of rain.
According to school data, there are 512 seniors enrolled at Sumter High and 465 juniors.
"We just wanted to do some extra with 'Prom Part Two,' almost like a 'bonus prom' for the seniors since they missed their junior year's prom as well last year," Ackerman said.
The deadline to purchase tickets is May 10, but they are going quickly, and space is limited, she added.
According to Ackerman, "Prom Part Two" was pushed back on the calendar to not interfere with Sumter School District's other two high school prom events Saturday at Crestwood High and May 8 at Lakewood High.
Tickets can be purchased online by sending $30 per ticket to @prompart2tickets (Beth Ann Young) on Venmo. The Venmo receipt will serve as students' tickets on the night of the event.
No tickets can be purchased at the door.
Donations can also be made on Venmo, she said.