For Some Students, No Sales = No Prom

EMMAUS, Pa. (AP) - October 16, 2007 (WPVI) -- Students at one Lehigh County high school who want to go to their junior prom have more to worry about than getting an outfit and lining up a date. They may also have to sell $60 worth of candles to even get a ticket.

Organizers of the Emmaus High School prom say not all of the record 721 juniors can attend the May 3 prom because there isn't enough room at the venue, the Days Inn and Conference Center in South Whitehall Township.

So, the school is holding a fundraiser to help decide who will be allowed to go. Students who sell at least $60 worth of Yankee Candles by Friday will be able to buy tickets before they go on sale to the rest of the class. The two highest sellers will get a pair of free tickets.

To some students, the plan is about as appealing as a smashed corsage.

"We're juniors, we've been looking forward to this for a long time and it turns out we have to do even more just to get it," said Dylan Swanson, 16, of Alburtis.

Physics teacher Brent Ohl and biology instructor Corinna Kramer-Hinks, the class advisers, said they couldn't find a location that can accommodate everyone at the prom along with a disc jockey, dance floor, appetizer table and enough chairs and tables.

"We don't feel it's fair either, but we're doing the best we can," Kramer-Hinks said.

Michele Grasso of Lower Macungie Township, whose 17-year-old son is a junior at the school, said she understands that the school district is dealing with a population boom, but it shouldn't affect what she views as a rite of passage.

"Everybody I told said they've never heard anything as ridiculous as this in their life," Grasso said. "There should be room for every single kid to go."

Grasso also said it's unfair to ask the students to sell $60 worth of candles, especially since they aren't guaranteed a spot even if they do meet the quota. But Emmaus Principal David Piperato disagreed.

"I think it's fair to ask kids to demonstrate their commitment to their class and to fundraise for the class," he said. "And those who demonstrate that commitment should have the first opportunity."

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Information from: The Morning Call, http://www.mcall.com

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