Prom culminates lots of work
BY PAM BRANNON Gulf Breeze News Pam@gulfbreezenews.com

The Gulf Breeze High School Prom on Friday, May 9, will be the culmination of a year-long project of planning and work.

"We don't really try to outdo the past (graduating) class, but we want the prom to be really, really nice when it is our turn to plan and host the evening," said Linda Brothers, one of the teachers serving as class sponsor for the junior class this year.

This year's prom is being held offsite in Pensacola, but the exact location is being kept as secret as the school can keep it.

"We are trying to keep it a secret until the last minute because of security reasons," Principal Sylvan Ladner said. We don't want anyone at the site who isn't supposed to be there, for any reason. There are students right now buying tickets who do not know where the prom will be. They will be told Thursday afternoon."

Brothers said the Student Government Association (SGA) "have worked their fingers to the bones on this prom.

"First we started doing fundraisers last year - everything from car washes and bagging groceries and selling Junior Class t-shirts. We even held a powder puff football game to raise money. The expenses are many, including renting the place, and valet parking, and food and cake and the DJ and the photographer. And we have the biggest cake ordered this year from Jay's Bakery that I have ever seen."

There are about 360 juniors and about 400 seniors.

"So this could be a really big party," Brothers said.

Aubrey Curington, one of the SGA students planning and working on the prom, said she put in 10 hours his past weekend staining decorations to hang from the ceiling.

"Everyone is working so hard," Currington said. "We do it all. The students have to book the place, find the dance floor, book the DJ, order the cake, plan and make the decorations - everything. Our class president, Colleen Eastburn, has really got everything under control. There are different SGA members in charge of different committees."

Ticket prices are $35 for single tickets and $60 for a couple.

"We had to increase the price by $5 this year because of the valet parking," Brothers said. "But there is so much more than just the ticket price that goes into prom planning. I have a daughter who is a junior this year and, believe me, there are hair appointments, shopping for dresses, nail appointments, make-up appointments. These girls go all-out for prom. I made my daughter's hair appointment a month ago just to make sure she could get in."

Brothers said there will be lots of limos again this year, from what she is hearing.

"Groups of friends come together in limos and they don't have to worry about parking or driving," she said.

The Florida Highway Safety Patrol reminds students and parents that any driver under the age of 21 who registers a blood-alcohol level of .02 or more will have their license suspended for six months.

"Florida law enforcement has zero tolerance for people who drive under the influence," said Director of Florida Highway Patrol Col. John Czernis.

Safety tips Don't drink and drive. Don't get into a vehicle with anyone who has been drinking alcohol. Keep a cell phone handy in case you need to call parents for help of any kind.