By KATHY PAULSEN
Staff Writer
How many of you have ever been on a riverboat?
This year, NRHEG High School juniors and seniors, along with their prom dates, are going to take a ride down the St. Croix River on Saturday, May 3.
For 30 years, NRHEG students have held prom at local school gymnasiums, followed by the after prom party at the Geneva Community Building. People have talked about trying something new for a few years. After last year’s prom concluded, school personnel, students, parents, and the after prom committee started looking at new ideas. Many heard about what other school districts have been doing, such as prom cruises, which seemed interesting. So, it was decided to give it a try.
This year, prom-goers will enjoy a cruise aboard the "Avalon," the largest and most spacious paddlewheel boat in the Midwest.Prom-goers’ itinerary for the day:
• 2 p.m. — Stop at New Richland Care Center to pick up after prom tickets. Then head to school before dropping off change of clothes bag and garment/tuxedo bag (name on bag) in high school commons (bags/purses will be searched). This bag should have everything you need for changing out of formal wear and into casual clothes for after prom at Dave & Busters. Then head to high school gym for pictures before grand march.
• 3 p.m. — Grand March, NRHEG High School gymnasium.
• 4:30 p.m. — Begin loading charter buses assigned by color. Buses have restrooms and snacks will be provided.
• 5 p.m. — Depart school for Stillwater.
• 6:30 p.m. — Arrive at “Avalon.” Boat pictures can be taken before boarding.
• 7:15 p.m. — Set sail, buffet dinner served, dance with DJ and picture taking.
• 11 p.m. — Re-board buses for 45-minute drive to Maple Grove.
• Midnight — Arrive at Dave & Busters for after prom. There is a specific room for changing clothes. Then more food, games and fun.
• 3 a.m. — Board buses for ride back to New Richland. Movies will be shown.
• 4:30 a.m. — Arrive back in New Richland, light breakfast and prizes.
A total of 165 students were registered by March 3. Though prom-goers needed to pay $20 to reserve their spot, the rest of the evening is being paid for, including all the food, through donations and fundraising activities. Nine chaperones will accompany the students.
Dan Nelson and Terry Jensen, who have welcomed NRHEG students to the after prom party for 30 and 26 years, respectively, will welcome prom-goers onto the river boat.
Nelson, Terry Jensen, Nathan Jensen, Dan Stork and the junior and senior class officers will decorate the NRHEG High School gymnasium for the grand march.