May 16, 2010

Post Prom: Racine's rite of passage

Racine's unique high school rite of passage -- Rotary's 58th Post Prom for seniors from eight city high schools -- took place Saturday night under a quarter-moon and the bright glow of the region's most beautiful gowns and brightest smiles.

Almost 1,400 attended -- fewer than expected, perhaps because of some schools' stricter enforcement this year of truancy rules.

The kids arrived at Festival Hall in block-long limos, fire engines, trucks, buses, a towed boat or two, sports cars, a Rolls Royce and antique cars ("Thanks, Grandpa, for the use of your Excaliber!"); three Case High girls -- begowned and coiffed -- arrived on the back of motorcycles.

Once inside, all enjoyed hours of dancing to a DJ, karaoke, Guitar Hero and other games, and plenty of food to keep up their energy levels.

It's a night most will never forget.The event was broadcast on TimeWarner cable channel 25, and will be scheduled again. And Creative Captures Photography was taking pictures all over Prom, and will be posting them -- for sale -- on the web.

In the meantime, here are our pictures of Racine's 2010 Post Prom.












Andrew Jansen holds Lexi Majack for their Prom portrait




57 comments:

  1. As someone who's worked with youth, I will never understand how anyone would encourage a kid to go to this. Have you ever been to a club? Well, this is just one giant, Rotary sponsored club. All the things that happen at a club happen here. It's not a rite of passage, its just an easy way to decrease accidents and issues related to alcohol and drugs by keeping all of the kids in one place for an extended period of time.

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  2. I feel sorry for you. You must not be from here. I thought the Prom goers looked great. They actually acted like adults. Yes, you are going to get some that act like fools, but you get that anywhere. My concern is looking at thses kids and seeing how FAT they are. My mind never went to the drugs and alcohol. I just kept thinking these young adults are not going to live long and yes, not from drinking & driving but, being way to FAT.

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  3. I didn't like some of the dressess. Some of those girls looked like hookers. What happened to the full dressess that didn't have the slits up to there (can't say the word), or their top parts falling out. There were some cute dresses, but come on girls, I hope next year the girls look at how awful some of these girls looked last night. One good thing, nobody looked pregnant or was pregnant.

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  4. To Anonymous 4:10 A.M. "Rite of passage" is the editor's choice of words. But what exactly do you see wrong with "decreasing accidents and issues related to alcohol and drugs"? That was Rotary's goal 80+ years ago and still is today. Judging from the lack of any reports of accidents or injury in the news, I'd say "Mission Accomplished Rotary" Job well done.

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  5. I was down at the prom, and felt sick to my stomach just standing there with the crowd. Gangs walking around flashing their signs, openly selling drugs, calling the white people racist names. There were fights. Some of the gang bangers were throwing pennies, and nickels at the Buss and RVs trying to scratch them. I think this all falls on the Rotary. Sure they did a nice job for the kids going to prom, but they could have done better for the families actually there to see their loved ones entering prom.

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  6. I was a volunteer inside the Festival Hall this year. It was absolutely beautiful!
    Every detail was in place, the best ever television production, decorations, entertainment, and delicious catering all to provide for a wonderful evening for these young adults.
    The Rotarians should absolutely be commended for all the time and effort
    put into this royal evening for those that attended school and earned the right to participate.

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  7. Want to really reduce alcohol related problems? Hold a post-prom party for the Rotarians twice a month. The kids are just mimicking the adult behavior that is so prevalent here in Racine.

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  8. Well, if you think that the Rotarians are so bad, then maybe they shouldn't have Prom anymore and just have it at their schools. It blows my mind that Case spent 700.00 for an ice sculpture. How dumb. Especially when they aren't there that long. What a waste

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  9. You people are so negative. Let these kids have their moment. When YOU were you i'm pretty sure you did all kinds of crazy crap....you just didn't get caught. As for the students CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! Racine Rotary and all involved in making this a memorable occasions for the students...THANK YOU FOR A JOB WELL DONE! I'm pretty sure for the few negatives and glitches it will nor over shadow the positives of the moment.

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  10. You people are so negative. Let these kids have their moment. When you were young I'm pretty sure you did all kinds of crazy crap...you just didn't get caught. As for the students CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! Racine Rotary and all involved in making this a memorable occasion for the students....THANK YOU FOR A JOB WELL DONE! I'm pretty sure that for the few negatives and glitches, it will not over shadow the positives of the moment.

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  11. Good for you to say that. Yes, when we had prom many many years ago, we snuck in bottle of booze. Only difference we stayed until 5 in the morning, then went to Browns Lake. I really don't get the drift of the young people going to Chicago or the Dells. But, that's their thing. I think the Rotarians did a well job. Kids were having fun. Yes there are a few rotten apples. We had that back then too. If it was as bad as one comment said, then where were the cops?

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  12. Maybe the Racine Police Department parked their useless armored truck in front of the festival site to deter and would-be crime? Today they can move it back by the fountain to prevent kids from playing in it. Crime fighting at it's best!

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  13. This group would only be happy if former Mayor Becker was there.

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  14. Dont surgarcoat the night. Ask the RPD. The black community, gangs, and behavior is out of control. And yes, it is a recial matter. I challenge you to ask adults who where there and the cops that were responsding to calls post prom last night. How pathetic.

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  15. I think it is a great night for the kids. I have gone the last 3 years to see them. I would have to say that this year the outside area was Bad. If you only heard the language and pushing , and fights you really didn't feel safe. This is not the Rotary fault it's the parents that raised them to act this way. Maybe the schools need to figure the grades and how many times the kids skip for the whole year not just the last quarter. I have a feeling a lot of the troubled kids would be gone.

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  16. Isn't it a shame that Racine is being taken away by gangs. What is wrong with this area? We want people to come to Racine and all we have is racial outcrys. I'm so sick of this town and the juveniles that are taking the town. You don't dare stand up to these punks. All they do is laugh at you. So we have a wonderful night for young outstanding adults, just to be ruined by some thugs. Yes, I did see some strange things going on at Prom. The blacks dancing and showing off doller bills. What's that all about? They jump and jive like animals. Is that suppose to be cute? All it did was make me laugh and wonder how these idiots are going to go on in life. You know they won't go to college. Prom used to be for graduating students. Not any more.

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  17. I went to watch prom this year and was just amazed on how well everything went! Perfect weather, beautiful dresses and students having the time of their life. Great job to the Rotarians, it seems as if every year they make prom better. Keep it up!

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  18. YOU CANNOT BLAME ATHE ENTIRE BLACK COMMUNITY FOR A FEW BAD ONES WHO ACT OUT. JUST LIKE YOU CANNOT BLAME THE ENTIRE WHITE COMMUNITY FOR CHILD MOLESTING MAYORS, PRIESTS,TEACHERS, AND THE REST OF THE PERVERTS WHO DAMAGE INNOCENT CHILDREN.

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  19. I'm glad some in this cominity are FINALLY standing up to the black thugs that think they run this city. I wonder how many of the blacks pictured in this story will end up in jail.

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  20. With a depression and two totally-unjustifiable foreign wars, we don't need lavish parties, much less big-buck bashes for kids. Racine and its so-called civic leaders should be ashamed of Post Prom and their sponsorship thereof. As for that ridiculous ice sculpture, the cash blown on that ephemeral object should have gone to HALO or the Food Bank. Considering how little Racine has to offer its rank-and-file inhabitants, the Post Prom participants could wind up needing help from those agencies.

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  21. Did someone hit a bad note? The entire black community was not mentioned. What the heck is bringing up the old mayor, priests and teachers have to do with the side show of last night with the dancing that went on in the parking lot and entering the building. If you are an african american, are you offended by the remark or maybe you shoud be offended by the way these young adults acted. Racist remark, no, just the truth. Some and I'm not mentioning any race, looked like they were pimping as they were entering the hall. Would you be proud of your child acting like that? Do they act like this in school? I should hope not.

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  22. Do you actually think the parents of the children that wore trashy short dresses or were almost falling out of the tops of their dresses are even looking at all these comments? Some of these parents think their children's actions and outfits are something to be proud of....it's all relative. The parents are sad examples of what "parents" should be...
    Sad commentary on the circle of life...I worry for the social structure of our future...

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  23. You have a point. The kids are acting just like their parents. They follow what the parents do and see. Bravo on your comment.

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  24. LMAO, seriously....You adults or whoever posting these comments should be ashamed, they all made me laugh hysterically. You're all trying to prove a point about either "blacks" going out of control, slutty girls, and thugs. Just shut up. It's not about you at all. Let the young adults live the way they want. You fools should just get up and leave if it bothers you so much.

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  25. My daughter is one of the girls photographed and featured above. She is not fat, drunk, high, a gang member, falling out of her dress, or showing too much skin with a short skirt or a slit up to there. What she is, is an honor roll student, celebrating her impending graduation, who was excited to see herself featured here until she started reading the mean spirited comments posted.

    If you see something wrong in our community, then perhaps you should go out and work towards fixing it. You could take proactive steps to better our youth, and yourselves, such as volunteering with youth organizations, community outreach programs, or getting involved in local politics or organizations that can influence change in Racine. Posting snarky comments on a blog however, is not only immature and hurtful, it merely serves to make you look worse than the people you are insulting.

    If you want our children to be better than they are, the best thing you could do is be a role model for their behavior.

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  26. The top photo on this story has a kid flashing a gang sign and also, how can the so called 'public access' channel get away with showing paid commericials. Some reporter ought to check in on that little story angle.

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  27. The bottom line is that during a depression, Racine doesn't need a Post Prom. Rotary should cancel its support of such nonsense until the economic crisis is over.

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  28. This is a fabulous tradition; one of the gems of Racine. It unifies the generations as we all reminisce about OUR post-prom. I am thrilled that this tradition has been unbroken by any outside tragic influences; such as war, depression, etc. Many of these kids actually have given alot already in service to the community. Some of the high schools have service hours as a graduation requirement and most of the students far exceed the required number of hours once they see how rewarding community involvement is. So in a very concrete way, the Rotarians are setting an example of community service as well as encouraging the kids to continue a life of volunteerism!
    The attendees do pay to attend this event, and while I am sure it is not nearly as much as it actually costs to sponsor it, to the kids $25 is a big deal and they are not getting a free ride while the rest of the population suffers in this economy. Many of them have scrimped and saved for this big event in their lives. It is just sour grapes to say that this should be canceled due to the state of the economy.

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  29. I want to clarify that I am the individual who posted the first comment. I do not believe that one racial group is problematic within our community. And I have taken action to create positive change within our city.

    To the individual whose daughter was the honor student pictured here - great, she shares something with me, then. Perhaps one day, she will understand that some of these comments are not personal attacks on her or her "moment", but on an event of questionable nature and consequences. One of the key differences between being a youth and adult is the ability to look at the broader picture outside of oneself.

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  30. To the idiot who said to shut up and leave if we don't like it. I'm sure it had to be one of your kids. How wonderful these so called grownups are having fun. Your the idiot. Girls who look like sluts, gang signs, black - white, it doesn't matter, you can have fun, but hanging out of a car, tops half off, guys walking like pimps, gee, I guess I'm missing the point. Good luck to our future. We're going to need, if we have these so called young adults running it.

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  31. The only reason that Racine continues to have an event like this because it mimics the adult behavior. It's the "mini-me" version of Racine nightlife - with our parents and leaders hopping from one bar to another and adults masking their life issues with socially accepted overt sexuality and alcoholism.

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  32. Boo hoo, poor girl got her feelings hurt because she was in a picture and now she sees nasty comments. Get a life. Is she that fragile? If she wasnt' one of them, it shouldn't bother her. So you protect your little girl so she doesn't get hurt and when she's off to college, honor roll student or not, see how she acts in her first year.

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  33. Rotary puts on a very nice event - if there are any issues, it is from a very small percentage of the students. The problems that may have occured are from the individuals who were not allowed to attend due to truancy problems and they caused problems outside of the festival hall. there were about 1,600 students projected. From what I understand there were about 1,400 students - the shortfall is due to the truancy issue.

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  34. When I was a kid, we didn't have these fancy schmancy proms, no sirree. We suited up in burlap bags from head to toe, walked out to the middle of a cornfield and danced to the sound of crickets and coyotes until the sun went down. Then we walked home and did our chores for the next six hours. And we LIKED it!

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  35. Now that's funny if you really did that. Good for you.

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  36. Rotary ought to be helping HALO or the Food Bank instead of sponsoring unnecessary social events. On the whole, Racine's eliteniks have screwed-up priorities--for example, although we lead the state in minority infant mortality, we blow dough on the arts, a pricey zoo and other non-essentials. We all know which corporate crime family craves frills and thrills galore at the expense of the less-fortunate. Needed: COMMON MEN WITH COMMON SENSE WHO'LL REFORM RACINE A.S.A.P.

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  37. Last time I checked, back during the depression during the 1930's and during WWII, people didn't stop dancing or having parties, etc. In fact, those were the years of the big bands and dances with the soldiers. So the lefty, dumb-ass peace and justice shills here needs to read up on their history.

    However, that being said, I 100% believe that drugs, alcohol, sex, gangs, and pimping out were definitely part of this post-prom party. Because that's Racine, period. I, too, worry about a future run by sexed-up teens who care only about themselves.

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  38. Dear 5/18/2010 12:26 PM, Yes, I realize that our para-Depression forebears acted like fools and doted on the big bands instead of resisting the evil capitalist system. However, the fact that our ancestors behaved in an irrational manner doesn't mean that we should follow their bad example. Until our current economic crisis is over, Rotary should concentrate on charity work and cease sponsoring the Post Prom.

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  39. Don't take post prom away from us. Why take away a fun night for those that earned it just because some teenagers can't handle themselves? Some spending is unnecessary...however the students pay too go. It's not just being taken away from the community. Please stop being so negative and think about your want to celebrate making it through all your years of schooling...taking post prom away would give students nothing to strive for. No reason to make sure they make it to class. No reason to turn in their homework. Prom is what keeps students going strong to the end, it's the reward for all the hard work. Don't be selfish, don't take it away.

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  40. I am pictured above. I do not have a high slit, I am completely sober, I am not in a gang, I am not hanging out of the top of my dress, I have over a 4.0, I do not skip school; I earned prom. Please, stop generalizing teenagers. And think of those that actually deserve this night. And should not have it taken away from them.

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  41. It's a sad world when there is so much negativity in this article. I did see some wonderful looking dresses and some very handsome gentlemen. It only takes one bad seed to ruin everything. We did have the same problem when I graduated way back in the 60's. I guess nobody realized it because it wasn't on TV. Congrad's to the graduation class of 2010. So to the bad seeds, who are not reading this, but the parents are, Go soak your drug, drunken bodies out of this community. Let the good kids have their fun. The only thing I do disagree on, is going to the Dells. After being up all night and driving being tired, this worries all parents. Class of 2011, go some place close and have a good Prom next year.

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  42. Good luck Class of 2010. I just wish the Case High students would have spent their 700.00 on putting lighting on the sign that the 1989 class donated. Maybe some year a class will do that. Good luck to all.

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  43. Wow, people are right about the Rotary. It was disgusting. I seen people have sex in there. There was puke all over. It disgusted the hell out of me. Drunk people were hanging on us and I just couldn't take it. The idiot children these days need to be checked more. They needed to be more strict but we're in Racine Wisconsin. The county doesn't giving a flying rats buttox. The girls looked like strippers. There were only a select few who didn't look like they should be on the corner or working a pole. People walked up to my group and asked if we had drugs or alcohol. Really, do you think it was that nice? I don't think so. They need to be more strict. I don't care if kids don't like it. If they were smart enough and like to remember their teenage years... Then don't do idiotic actions...

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  44. 4:14 - you said " I seen people have sex in there." You must not have learned much grammar in school - I think you should take a year over. The sad thing is, you probably don't even know what the error is. You must be a product of RUSD.

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  45. Or, not caring all too much about my grammar. More about idiotic and humiliating children...

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  46. I read these comments and find the majority of them very, very sad. So this is what Racine has become? A bunch of negative people who have nothing good to say about anything! Rotary - ignore these people! You have, and continue to do amazing things for this community, and the Prom is but one of of those endeavors. Let's hope the number of people involved in good causes, such as Rotary, continue to outnumber all of the naysayers. Better yet, let's pray! Thanks Rotary!

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  47. You darn right we're negative. I know of a case that they got caught drinking. They got suspended. I know of another case that the bus driver found booze in the bus. They took the bus away from the students and they had to call their parents to go down town. Maybe it's the parents fault. I really don't know who to blame. It's just a sad case of drugs, drinks and sex. I still think the Rotary should just give up and the schools have their own Proms. There were some really pretty girls and handsome fellows. I'm glad they didn't show the drunks. To bad for 2010.

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  48. All I see is people complaining and saying that we look like adults. In Actual reality we are already adults 19, 18, or 17 with a few exceptions. Post prom is our way of getting together for the last time. I appreciate everything that rotery did for us it was spectacular! I honestly had an amazing time. I danced all night. Thank you rotery club I enjoyed myself and if I could replay Saturday night I would!

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  49. 4:42 - If you cannot write grammatically correct - don't post.

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  50. Everyone needs to stop being so negative, post prom is supposed to be fun and thats what it ends up being, always. As for the gangs and such, there's absolutely nothing that can be done, quit your complaining and just go on with your life. Do Not try and say post prom is an awful event, yadda yadda yadda. It's not. Once you're inside, everything from the outside is gone, students can forget about school and celebrate that graduation is just a couple weeks away and that's just it. It's a celebration and if you think celebrating post prom is bad, think next time you go off to a bar or something where you yourself and your friends are getting drunk, there are more people drunk or on drugs at bars than there are in post prom.
    So please, don't misjudge by just what you see, specially if you aren't actually there. There's a big difference to what you see and hear than what actually goes on in Post Prom.

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  51. First of all I do not drink nor do I do drugs. Second of all, I'm over 21, YOU ARE NOT. Third, I don't have to be there to know what happened. I was told by a student that got drunk there and what happened. I also think if you want to be treated like an adult, then act like one. It takes a few spoiled apples to ruin something and sweetheart, it is happening year after year. It is now time for the ADULTS to put their foot down. Roatary members are now going to have to put a halt to the young adults that go into prom and YES, get breath alizer tests. I just hope some Rotary members are reading these comments. I also hope some Police Officers also read these comments to know what is going on instead of turning your heads and look the other way. Year after year we hear the same complaints and nothing is done about it. NOW IS THE TIME.

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  52. Gee, if you guys think it's ok to drink because the adults do and if you think it's ok to do drugs because the adults do, then I guess it's ok to rob and kill, just like some of the adults do. I must live in a different world.

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  53. A simple solution as St. Catherine's did at their school event - have students use alcohol strips before entering - if they test positive for alcohol they are not allowed to enter.

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  54. What a wonderful idea. If all the schools did that, there wouldn't be a problem. Even use the strips downtown. I'm for that, I'd even chip in to get those strips. But, you would get one person who would say that it's against their rights. Good going St. Cat's.

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  55. 11:14 - It is a private event put on my Rotary so they may be able to get away with it. By the way, none of the St. Cat's kids tested positive.

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  56. Wow people really need to get a life! First off, you all are supposed to be adults and you are on a website arguing about young adults and the decisions they make. well look at what you are choosing to do with your time, its nothing that is helping our society either. I am not taking any of these comments personnally but I mearly making a few statements of my own. I was one of the Seniors that attended post prom year 2010 and I was not drunk, over weight, my bosy part were not hanging out of my dress, and I am not in a gang, but instead I celebrated with my friends the accomplishment of graduating.
    I am a hispanic freshman in college with a full ride academic scholarship,I have straight A's in college, and I am studying to be a Youth Minister and Missionary. Unlike you all, I see a problem and I am making it my goal to work towards changing it. This is ashame that post prom is getting bashed like this, my high school years were not what you call "easy", I was a tri-athlete, high honors, volunteer, and had a job, while doing this all, I experienced the death of my mother, a crucial car accident that nearly took my life and lots of other things but prom was one thing that rewarded me for pushing through! And yes there will always be a few sour moments or people (just take a look at these comments, they reflect how society works) but in the end we are a community and Racine is known for our community coming together to congradulate students for their accomplishments, so lets stop being negative and instead look at the glass as half full and realize the many students that celebrated prom in a positive way. C'mon adults step up and be a leader!!!!

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  57. Really people? Why are you guys being so ignorant and racist? I agree with the person above me....she is right....you guys are stereotyping and generalizing, just because there was a few sour people/moments doesn't mean you can generalize for everyone. You guys are making yourself and your community look bad....listen to what the person above me said and do something positive with yourself and time. Make a difference don't just sit there and complain about it!! Like the person above me said, "C'mon adults step up and be a leader!!!"

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