How will a $25,000 grant presented to Kerr in December be spent?

When interventionist Tommy Miller and Student Council members encouraged students to participate in the State Farm Celebrate My Drive competition, the promise was that, if the school won one of the $100,000 top prizes, all four classes would have prom for free. But when Kerr came in sixth place in the voting, the prize was reduced to $25,000, leaving many who voted wondering what would happen to the check.

So, where does the money go?

“The money will go towards prom tickets among the Class of 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017,” Miller said. “Each class will receive about $4,000 from the grant. Combined with money from fundraisers conducted by each class, the grant funds should pay for most prom costs. Some classes may be able to offer their members free tickets.”

Senior class sponsor Laura Negri said the grant funds will allow the Class of 2014 to pay for their venue now before all the senior fundraisers have been completed.

“It will allow us to take care of the major expenses — the location and food — early, and it will give us more funds to spend on decorations, gifts and scholarships,” she said. Because of the grant and the class’s fundraising efforts for four years, this year’s prom tickets are $20 for students and $30 for off-campus guests.

The remaining money will go towards scholarships and safety programs.

Since Celebrate My Drive works to encourage driving safely, students may be required to participate in an event related to driving safely before receiving free or discounted prom tickets.