By Marisa Dawson, Post-Prom Photos by Jeff Douglas

Bennington High School students marked a memorable milestone on Saturday, April 18, as they gathered for prom at A View on State, an evening highlighted by celebration, recognition, and community.

Seniors Abby Rychly and Liam Doan were crowned prom queen and king, an honor both described as meaningful reflections of their involvement and impact throughout high school.

“It’s nice to know that you have support from our school,” Rychly said. “Being involved in so many things, meeting so many people, to show that I am making an impact… that’s what I took it as when I won- being able to impact people.”

She added that the recognition felt like a shared accomplishment. “It’s nice to have a little bit of recognition for the hard work that Liam and I have put together to make an impact on our school.”

Doan shared similar thoughts, emphasizing the broader representation of their class. “It’s just such a great opportunity to be able to represent our amazing senior class and everyone in it and all the diverse activities that we do.”

Both students credited mentors who shaped their high school experiences. Rychly pointed to Dr. Dean Wood, who supported her across activities and even helped connect her with a college softball opportunity. Doan highlighted music teacher Tye Hanke. “He’s just such a great guy… he really knows how to build your confidence and gets to know you as a person,” he said.

When asked what advice they would offer underclassmen, both emphasized stepping outside of comfort zones and staying connected.

“Don’t be afraid to just do it,” Doan said. “Either you do it and learn from it, or you never do it and always wonder ‘what if.’”

Rychly added, “Be kind and get involved, because you can meet so many people, and you never know if you’re sitting next to the person that could be your best friend one day.”

Looking back, both said it’s the relationships that will stay with them long after graduation. “It’s always just the people,” Doan said. “Because what would high school be without people?”

Rychly agreed, pointing to time spent with friends and involvement in a variety of activities as some of her most meaningful experiences.

Following prom, students continued the night at the school’s annual post-prom event, an effort designed to provide a safe, engaging environment for students to celebrate together.

Organized by junior class parents and led this year by Melissa Freed, post-prom has long been a staple of the Bennington community. “Post prom has always been a tradition… to offer kids a safe and fun place to go after prom,” Freed said.

This year’s event saw approximately 475 students attend, with fewer than 20 leaving early, a sign, Freed said, that the event successfully kept students engaged.

“I think what kept them there this year was we added a dodgeball tournament,” she said. “We had 13 teams. It was our first year trying it, so that was super fun.”

In addition to dodgeball, students enjoyed a wide variety of activities, including bingo, karaoke, inflatables, yard games, a “cash cab,” and prize-based games like Plinko and a cash cube. Organizers also incorporated student feedback gathered earlier in the year to tailor the experience.

“We actually did a survey this year… and asked them, ‘what do you want to see at post prom?’” Freed said. “We have been working on this since August.”

Putting on the event required significant time, coordination, and financial support. The total cost reached approximately $44,000, funded through donations, sponsorships, and extensive fundraising efforts led by junior parents.

“It is a tremendous amount of work,” Freed said. “But I think it’s super rewarding when you see the kids… having a great time as a result of all your efforts.”

A large portion of the budget went directly back to students in the form of prizes, including cash, gift cards, electronics, and dorm essentials. Every junior and senior who stayed until the end received a prize.

Beyond entertainment, the event serves an important purpose for families. “To know that my kid is safe after prom and that they have a fun place to go… in a positive environment with all their friends,” Freed said, is invaluable.

She also noted the inclusive nature of the event. “I feel like there was truly an activity for everyone… whether you were athletic… or into arts and crafts… it was a very inclusive environment for kids to have fun, get off their phones, socialize, and have fun together.”

As this year’s organizers pass the torch, Freed offered simple advice to next year’s junior parents: “Start early.”

Despite the workload, she said the payoff is clear. “I was just so glad that so many kids stayed till the very end… it told me that it was fun, that they wanted to be there, and I knew they were safe.”

Together, prom and post-prom continue to reflect not only a rite of passage for students, but also a strong sense of community support that helps make the experience both memorable and meaningful.