If the public helps, Warsaw Community High School could get its junior-senior prom for free this year.
The Warsaw Community High School junior class is trying to raise money for the prom by participating in Stumps' "Proms Across America" contest, according to Myra Hooks, junior class vice president.
Junior class Treasurer Skylar May said they have to get votes online to win.
While the contest is nationwide, Hooks said, WCHS is competing just in Indiana. With 4,357 votes as of Monday afternoon, WCHS is second in the state. So far, Anderson High School is first with 28,673 votes, and Frankfort High School is third with 923 votes.
Student council advisor Abbi Richcreek said that while Warsaw is behind, it doesn't cost anything for people to vote. And everyone can vote as many times a day as they want.
The contest runs through 11:59 p.m. March 16.
A person just goes to the Stumps website at www.stumpsparty.com and registers their e-mail the first time. Before voting the first time, they have to check their e-mail for confirmation. Once confirmed, however, a person can vote and vote often.
Even if Warsaw doesn't win the big prize, May said, they can win other prizes along the way.
"If we get one million votes, then we get a $5,000 gift card to Stumps," said Hooks.
The prom budget is about $6,000, she said. If they can get the gift card, she said, they can use funds generated through other activities like concessions to make prom even "neater."
So far, May said, WCHS has won a free banner for advertising purposes. The next possible prize is personalized candy bars, he said.
Richcreek said the competition started before Warsaw got on board, so Anderson had more time. But don't count WCHS out just yet.
"My mom votes 10 times a day," said Hooks.
Warsaw's prom is May 14 from 8 p.m. to midnight. The theme is "City Nights, City Lights." Valet parking will be provided to students for free. Advance tickets will be at the bookstore two weeks prior to the event.
