ARGYLE — The Argyle Class of 2024 has an extra reason to be thankful this Thanksgiving. After years of being unable to properly fund-raise for prom and post prom, the 16-student Oriole class received a $1,000 donation from Bug Tussel Wireless Tuesday morning.
“It means a lot to me and the whole class,” said junior Willie Helfvogt.
This school year’s prom is themed “A Night in Vegas”, and the student plan to have neon lights, felt tables, poker chips and more.
As freshmen in the 2020-21 school year, the junior class witnessed the school hold an outdoor prom in frigid temperatures.
“The prom outside was cold — it was 38 degrees that day, and they spent more money on heaters than they did on making memories,” said Kurt Easterday, class advisor and social studies teacher.
Last year there wasn’t a post prom either, and the Class of 2024 never got a great jump on fundraising either due to the pandemic.
“My daughter is two years older (than Willie) and there has been nothing at all,” said Kristen Brantner, Helfvogt’s mother. “These kids, they had no chance or any money. There wasn’t very much that the kids could actually do as far as fundraising to do anything.”
Brantner reached out to Bug Tussel through the company’s community assistance program. The junior class was short about $500 from their goal to purchase items for post prom, and Bug Tussel responded by doubling the request.
“We are very proud to support our local communities,” said Jason McCullick, Bug Tussel Business Development Manager.
Easterday said the funds will help the students have an enjoyable and memorable prom, which is open to all of the school’s high school students.
“We’ll be able to provide awesome keepsakes and entertainment that we haven’t had (recently),” Easterday said.
While Vegas is typically thought of as a place for 21-and-over, it has become more family-friendly in recent years, Easterday said. His family, which includes children ages 8 and 6.
“The lights and the glamor is something they still remember.” Easterday said. “Our students have already gotten neon lights, and want fountains and red velvet ropes. They want something they can remember, but it’s also fun.”
