For the 28th year, RAYSAC (Roanoke Area Youth Substance Abuse Coalition) and area sponsors hosted an After Prom Grand Finale (APGF) – continuing their tradition of awarding a new car to a local student who attended his or her school’s after prom party.
The event is held as an incentive for high school students to remain at their after prom parties – where they are safe – until the very end. “It is extremely important for schools, parents and the community to support after-prom parties for their students,” said Kathy Sullivan, RAYSAC director. “We have not had an accident that resulted in injury or death to a student at a participating high school since the program started 27 years ago.”
RAYSAC has partnered with First Team Auto, WFXR TV and Danny and Zack from The K92 Mornin’ Thang to produce the event. Throughout prom season, WXFR anchors and Danny and Zack have been broadcasting short messages to teens and their parents about the importance of attending their school’s after-prom party. Danny and Zack emceed the After Prom Grand Finale event.
At the event, qualifying students from each participating school got a chance to win the Grand Prize, (a 2016 Hyundai Elantra) donated by First Team Auto. This is the 26th year that First Team has donated a car for APGF. Students will also have the chance to win one of several door prizes that are also provided by First Team Auto.
“We believe strongly in giving back to the community,” said David Dillon, president and general manager of First Team Auto Mall in Roanoke. “Year after year, we hear from the students that the car is the incentive. We are happy to be part of a program that’s working.”
Schools from across the region were encouraged to hold an After Prom party and participate in the After Prom Grand Finale. Any public or private school within the region was eligible to participate.
About RAYSAC
RAYSAC is a group of concerned citizens striving to keep the youth of the Roanoke Valley and Southwest Virginia alcohol, tobacco and drug-free. RAYSAC is dedicated to reducing substance abuse among our youth and throughout the Roanoke Valley. Our efforts and resources are focused primarily on educating and mobilizing our communities, parents and youth about the problem of youth substance abuse and the dangers of underage drinking.
This year’s After Prom Grand Finale was held Sunday, June 5, at Valley View Mall in Roanoke beginning at 1:00 p.m.
How does a new car sound? Well for one area high school student it’s a dream come true! During this year’s annual event, high school students were entered to win a 2016 Hyundai Elantra.
For this year’s winner wasn’t all smooth sailing. He ran into a little bit of a hiccup when his key didn’t work! “I’m just kind of used to older vehicles, and when you turn the key in the older vehicles the lock pops up. In this one you had to turn the key and then pull the door. And I didn’t really know that so it was just a nice surprise,” said winner Caleb Young.
