In January, JCPenney asked its associates to nominate high schools that align with the Company’s core values of service, passion, energy, inclusion and family for a chance to win its Dream Prom Giveaway, in which JCPenney committed to donating a total of $250,000 to deserving high schools across the country to help them throw an unforgettable prom night.
In partnership with celebrity costume designer Johnny Wujek for the JCProm collection, the Company unveiled the five giveaway winners in April. To celebrate the end of the school year, read on to see how each school used the funds to celebrate their deserving students.
Beaumont Early College High School | Beaumont, TX
Beaumont Early College High School used most of their funds to hire a planner who took over execution of the event. They purchased pipe and drape, balloon columns and arches, as well as tables and chairs, and the remaining funds were divided between the DJ, the photographer and miscellaneous decorations specific to their theme. One of the members of their senior class is a JCPenney associate at their local store, and the students voted her as Prom Queen and presented her with a gift basket and flowers at the prom to show their appreciation.
Lake Shore High School | St. Clair Shores, MI
Johnny Wujek’s alma mater had 255 students attended prom free of charge where they were provided a delicious three-course dinner. A large portion of the donation went towards renting their venue, beautiful decorations, a 360-degree camera booth, a traditional photo booth, caricature artists to create custom drawings for students, a professional photographer to capture photos for all students free of charge as well as a professional videographer to film the evening. The school allotted $10,000 for students with financial need to be outfitted for prom. The remainder of the donation was spent to procure four 20-passenger limo busses, which were raffled off to students to make the night one to remember. School leaders said it was “by far the most…beautiful and fun prom we’ve ever been able to offer.”
Lowndes High School | Valdosta, GA
Lowndes High School’s prom theme was Magical Moments, made even more magical through JCPenney’s sponsorship and the school’s many wonderful volunteers. All students – approximately 1,200 – received free tickets, a gesture valued between $20,000 to $25,000, and JCPenney gift cards were given to deserving students nominated by teachers and peers to purchase prom attire and accessories. The school also provided boutonnieres and bouquets for students to make sure that everyone felt special and celebrated, plus heavy hors d’oeuvres and dinner to ensure that no one was left out. Photo opportunities were plentiful to capture every memory.
Perry High School | Perry, IA
Perry High School’s prom was an event like never before. The donation covered the cost of admission for the students, which included a buffet dinner and dancing at a local event venue. The school also hired a photographer to commemorate the evening, and students were given free prom T-shirts. A large portion of the donation went to funding this year’s After Prom, where the kids loaded up on charter buses to enjoy bowling, arcade games and laser tag, plus pizzas and sodas. The school gave away amazing prizes, including laptops, iPads, AirPods, gaming consoles, college-themed items and camping-themed prizes, and hired a professional photographer to capture the night’s most memorable moments. They set a new record for After Prom attendance with approximately 270 students.
Rogers High School | Spokane, WA
Rogers High School helped students kick of the night in style with charter busses free for students to ride to prom. As attendees entered the room, they were welcomed by a red carpet and four paparazzi style photographers to capture their reactions. Students were also able to enjoy two glamour shot set-ups and a selfie station with all photos from the evening accessible free of charge. The school invested in plenty of appetizers and a dessert station to ensure that kids were well fed all night, as well as decorations to correspond with the masquerade theme. Much of the grant went to helping students purchase dresses or tuxedos for the event, as well as getting their hair and nails professionally done.
