RAP (Right after Prom) Is an highly anticipated Highlight of the year for Pleasant Valley Juniors and seniors. The night features many prizes students can win and a variety of other exciting activities organized by the PTA.
Each school in the district has a separate PTA, each with its own goals to meet the school’s needs. Despite the differences between the smallest schools in the district, Cody Road Elementary to Pleasant Valley High School, “All PTAs share a common mission: to support students, teachers, staff, and the district while helping create opportunities that strengthen school spirit and the school community,” stated Jen Dumas, the RAP co-chair and the PTA president.
The PTA hosts its own events, and has a partnership in events not directly its own. Things like monthly staff appreciation lunches, senior social food trucks, and snacks and refreshments at the blood drive and wall of honor ceremony. “The largest event coordinated by the PVHS PTA each year is RAP (Right After Prom), which is designed to provide students with a safe, fun environment to continue celebrating after the prom,” stated Dumas.
The planning for rap starts at the very beginning of the school year, when the PTA starts fundraising efforts for the year. Dumas stated, “While we oversee the logistics and execution, we also consult with students to learn what they would like to see included. We make every effort to incorporate their ideas so the event reflects their interests.”
Money plays a crucial role in the organization of RAP, so naturally, the PTA Fund raises money in a variety of ways. They reach out to local restaurants to organize Dine-to-Donate events, and they sell meat locker products and Texas Roadhouse rolls. The PTA also reaches out to Local Business Leaders for Sponsorship and donations. Along with direct forms of donation, in Nov. an Amazon wishlist opens up right before black friday, giving families an easy opportunity to donate.
“During the winter months, we begin securing contracts for ‘other entertainment’ to make the event fun and memorable,” stated Dumas. She adds, “This year, in addition to the traditional games at TBK, RAP will feature three caricature artists, an airbrush tattooist, an inflatable money machine, and several other surprises.” This year, the PTA is trying to acquire 100 door prizes for RAP. Last year, some prizes included an Xbox and a Dyson Airwrap.
Because of their fundraising efforts, the PTA can sell tickets below market value. Dumas stated, “It costs us $30 per student just to get in, and we only charge you $25, that’s part of the fundraising. We hope to raise more so we can lower the cost even more.”
Senior Avalon Anderson states, “I loved being able to go from place to place: going to the bounce house, then getting caricatures, then taking photos in a picture booth.” She continues, “I also loved all of the rap prizes and complimentary drinks, and snacks. Overall, I thought it was a really fun experience, and I never got bored because of how much stuff there was to do.”
It is important for students to recognize the effort and dedication that goes into balancing an event of this scale. Dumas stated, “RAP takes a lot of time, volunteers, and a ton of fundraising to pull off, so it’s always nice when students understand the effort behind it.” The PTA is very transparent about how the event is planned and funded, and all are welcome at PTA meetings to learn more.
