Ark Valley News - The magical world of ‘Alice in Wonderland’

Prom royalty candidates are (front from left) Courtney Yochum, Shelby Marten, Tara Terwilliger, (back from left) Patrick Schrater, Dylan Tanner and Jared Gulledge. Profiles on page 7.

The magical world of ‘Alice in Wonderland’
By Chris Strunk
Last Updated: April 03, 2014

Valley Center High School students will enter a fantasy world of talking cats and playing cards as they celebrate the junior and senior prom April 5 in the high school commons area.

Theme of the dance is "Alice in Wonderland."

"It's bright, colorful and fun," said VCHS junior Audrey Viele, chair of the prom decoration committee.

Viele said when the 30-member committee took suggestions for prom themes, about half suggested "Alice."

"It really stuck out," said Viele, adding that she and a friend saw the prom theme on a TV show, "Keeping up with the Kardashians."

Decorations include a keyhole entrance, tables set for tea parties, top hats, cards, clocks, cutout characters, including Alice, the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts; and, of course, mushrooms.

"I just really hope they're not disappointed in them and think they're dumb," Viele said.

Prom will start with a red carpet welcome in front of the school at 7:30 p.m. King and queen coronation is scheduled to take place at 10 p.m. The dance will last until 11 p.m.

Prom queen candidates are Shelby Marten, Tara Terwilliger and Courtney Yochum.

Prom king candidates are Jared Gulledge, Patrick Schrater and Dylan Tanner.

After-prom activities will follow at the school.

Royalty candidates

Shelby Marten

Parents: Dennis and Kelly Marten

School activities: Cross country, track, basketball, National Honor Society, Letterwomen's Club, SADD, Link Crew, Rally Crowd, prom committee, choir, SAFE Team.

Post-graduation plans: Attend Emporia State University, undecided major.

If I could change one thing about VCHS, I would: "Find a way to provide more unity among the classes."

Tara Terwilliger

Parents: Stacy and Kami Terwilliger

School activities: Volleyball, track, debate, forensics, National Honor Society, Link Crew, Rally Crowd, Spanish Club, prom committee.

Post-graduation plans: Attend Kansas State University, major in political science.

If I could change one thing about VCHS, I would: "Bring back Rally Crowd."

Courtney Yochum

Parents: Steve and Kim Yochum

School activities: Soccer, Rally Crowd, Spanish Club, prom committee, forensics, choir, Letterwomen's Club.

Post-graduation plans: Attend Butler Community College to play soccer and study athletic training.

If I could change one thing about VCHS, I would: Start "open lunch for seniors and juniors."

Jared Gulledge

Parents: David and Kimberly Gulledge

School activities: Varsity soccer, Rally Crowd, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Link Crew, SADD.

Post-graduation plans: Attend Butler Community College for two years and then transfer to Emporia State University for a Ph.D. in psychology.

If I could change one thing about VCHS, I would: Bring back "late start."

Patrick Schrater

Parents: Cory and Suzie Schrater

School activities: DECA, basketball, track, football, baseball, Rally Crowd, Varsity Club.

Post-graduation plans: Attend Emporia State University, undecided major.

If I could change one thing about VCHS, I would: Start "open lunch for seniors."

Dylan Tanner

Parents: Travis and Leesha Tanner

School activities: DECA, basketball, baseball, football, Rally Crowd.

Post-graduation plans: Attend Butler Community College and then go on to get a journeyman's license.

If I could change one thing about VCHS, I would: Have "less restrictions on student section at sporting events."