Une belle promenade pour des étudiants de Culpeper

By Catherine Amos

Published: April 26, 2008

A handful of Culpeper County High School juniors and faculty members erected a 17-foot twinkling Eiffel Tower Friday afternoon, turning Germanna’s Daniel Technology Center into a romantic miniature Paris.

“Bonjour, Paris” is the theme for this year’s prom — the last combined prom before the high school classes split in the fall, with about half going to the new Eastern View High School.

The party kicks off at 8 p.m. and the public is invited to watch the promenade of gowns and tuxedos strut down the red carpet outside the technology center.

“Last year they were all the way up the sidewalk,” said faculty adviser Beth Haueisen. “It’s like a tradition. Like, ‘OK, hun, let’s grab our chicken and go watch the prom people.’”

If anyone wants to check out the elaborate decorations, including the Eiffel Tower and a 10-foot purple Arc de Triomphe, the public is welcome to come inside anytime before 7 p.m.

The party will feature a D.J. and large screens with live feed of dancing students and a slideshow with photos of Paris, plus a garden of fresh flowers donated by Lowe’s.

Juniors Ardena Holston, Teanna Banks, Devin Huntt and Jacob Rinker helped faculty members Haueisen, Dawn Ritz and CCHS Vice Principal Mark Settle transform Germanna into a French atmosphere Friday.

“It was the theme we really wanted,” said Banks, junior class president. “We wanted to go out there but then be on the romantic side because it is a formal event.”

The three girls seemed elated about their first prom, with dresses and dates set for tonight.

“We’re excited,” said Huntt, junior class vice president. “No one’s ever done Paris before.”

Catherine Amos can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 138 or .

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