Clyde Council approves $1,000 for CHS prom; students outline May 3 plans at Camden Falls

Clyde City Council voted Jan. 7 to contribute $1,000 to the Clyde High School prom committee after advisers and students described a venue change and cost-saving plans for this spring's event.

Morgan Garcia, a Clyde High School prom adviser, told the council the committee switched venues because of repeated scheduling and communication issues with the Kalahari; Garcia said Camden Falls in Tiffin offered a “very, very reasonable deal” and will allow school resource officers for security. "A donation by the city of Clyde will help us create a fun, memorable, and safe prom for the juniors and seniors of Clyde High School and our guests," Garcia said.

Chase Castle and Kayla Kishler, juniors on the prom committee, said the event is scheduled for May 3 at Camden Falls with a Hollywood theme. "Our prom this year is gonna be May 3 at Camden Falls in Tiffin," Castle said. Castle and Kishler described decorations, a red carpet and a photo area the committee hopes will include photos contributed by the school's broadcast and yearbook programs.

Committee members told the council they had gathered student feedback before choosing the new venue and expect eliminating an after-prom event and the lower venue cost to reduce ticket prices. The committee said last year’s tickets were about $80 each and that they are anticipating being able to cut that price roughly in half with the change of venue and elimination of after-prom; the transcript records the committee’s expectation but does not specify a final ticket price.

Councilman Greg McMaster moved the donation; Councilman Chris Shea seconded. The council recorded unanimous votes in favor: Vice Mayor Scott Black — aye; Councilman Greg McMaster — aye; Councilwoman Terry Meek — aye; Mayor Doug McAuley — aye; Councilman Chris Shea — aye. The motion passed.

Council members offered brief praise for the students’ presentation and for efforts to reduce costs. Mayor Doug McAuley told the students the finance director would follow up later in the meeting with information on final details if they elected not to remain for the entire session.

The students left after their presentation; the council approved the donation later in the meeting by roll call. The prom committee and city staff will finalize the logistics and notify the committee of the city’s formal contribution and any administrative steps required.