Bluefield High School prom will happen, say parents

Bluefield Highstudents willget a prom after all as a group of parents hasbooked the Eastlink Centre for a celebration off school grounds.

The school decidedit wouldn't hold a prom this year.Parents and students told CBC it was because last year's prom had problems with drinking and vandalism.

• No prom for you, says Bluefield after problems in 2015

"Parents need to take responsibility for some of it so let's get it going, the kids deserve it," saidLoriDoucette, a spokesperson for the parents group.

Doucettedoesn't blame the school forcancellingthe prom.

"I've been there many times and have seen the damage and seen the escapades of some of the kids, it seems to get worse every year," she said.

Doucettehas four children, with her youngest daughter graduating this year. She got involved because shecouldn't bear thethought of one of her children not getting a prom,when all the othersdid.

She said planning for the new prom is still in the early stages. The group hopes to have a DJand dance with food, some casino-type games and a photo booth for prom-goers.

They have also booked about a dozen security guards to be on site, and are considering having students sign acontract to ensure good behaviour.

"You know if they cause damages or if they are caught with liquor on the premises then they will pay a fine and it will make them and their parents a little bit more responsible for what goes on," saidDoucette.

The parents group plans to meet with students next month to go over logistics and to get their ideas.

Doucetteis optimisticit will all go well.

"I don't think we'll have any problems".

The prom will be held on June 17.