Boulder, Fairview parents work to bring back after-prom event

Nov. 1—The pandemic scuttled the joint after-prom event following the Boulder and Fairview high school proms, but parents are working to bring the party back this school year.

Mary Pierce, a parent of a Boulder High senior who is the after-prom chairperson, said the event is especially needed following a crash on Boulder High's last prom night that killed two people.

A 17-year-old Boulder High student suspected of causing the April crash was charged with vehicular homicide and DUI. A grand jury in September also indicted five Boulder parents accused of providing alcohol to teens, as well as two companies suspected of selling fake IDs and a liquor store that allegedly sold to minors, in relation to the crash.

"After prom gives kids a place to go," Pierce said. "It's really the only event that brings Boulder High and Fairview together. To have a place where they can all come together after prom is a real highlight of their year."

A tradition for 25 years, after prom is a drug and alcohol-free event meant to keep kids safe on prom night by providing activities, food, entertainment and — new this school year — a free shuttle to take students home within Boulder city limits.

After-prom events were created by concerned parents and administrators after a series of alcohol and drug related incidents that led to the deaths of 11 teens in the Denver and Boulder area in the 1990s, according to organizers.

The joint Boulder High and Fairview event is organized and run by about 200 parent volunteers from both high schools, while businesses help sponsor it. The plan is to hold the event from 11:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. April 29 at the East Boulder Community Center. Organizers expect about 1,500 students.

The event is expected to cost at least $60,000, and organizers are looking for business sponsors to help pay for everything from t-shirts and goody bags to the free shuttle to games and a photo booth. They also need donations and volunteers.

"We're trying to get the word out and get people engaged," Pierce said. "We are starting over pretty much from scratch. Many students have never gone or heard about it."

Anna Lull, a parent of a Boulder High senior who's helping organize the event, said her older son attended after prom in 2019 and "had an incredible time."

"Volunteers completely transform the rec center," she said. "There's so much for the kids to do. It's not just about having a safe night. It's about having an unforgettable night."

The challenge, she added, is getting the word out after not having the event for three years.

"It's worth the community getting involved, not just for safety, but to give something really special back to the kids," she said. "Everything donated goes directly to them."

While it's not a school sponsored event, both high school principals are supporting after prom by providing information to students and parents. Another supporter is Boulder District Attorney Michael Dougherty.

"Any time we can get parental and community involvement, we support that," said Boulder High Principal Alana Morales.

To make a donation or volunteer for the Boulder High and Fairview after prom event, go to fhsbhsafterprom.org.