It’s Prom Season

By George Deibel

May-June 2025

Across Lancaster County, high school students are taking part in a time-honored spring ritual, the prom. Many students will also be attending post-prom parties that are held with the help of very creative parents, the support of local businesses and fundraising events such as one that was held ahead of Solanco High School’s prom.

Solanco’s fundraiser took the form of a “pageant” that was held March 15 at the high school. This pageant took a different format as nine Solanco High School seniors vied for the prestigious title of “Mr. Solanco.” The contestants included Noah Bailey, Addison Beiler, Justin Natale, Austin Jarabak, Nathan Baglio, Garrett Grove, Nicholas Mohler, Braedon Bickford and Carter Galbreath.

“Mr. Solanco” served as a fundraiser for the party that will follow the prom, which is being held at the Wyndham Lancaster Resort and Conference Center on May 17. The post-prom festivities will take place at the Southern End Community Association (SECA) beginning at 11 p.m. The event will feature group games, inflatables, food and giveaways.

Solanco High School athletic director, Anthony Hall, served as the master of ceremonies for the “Mr. Solanco” event that began with all the participants performing a dance routine choreographed by Solanco seniors, Emileigh Kreider and Claire Graybeal. It was followed by a swimwear/beachwear competition, talent contest, formal wear competition, and question-and-answer session. A panel of judges voted Carter Galbreath as the winner.

“The kids are putting themselves out there and having a lot of fun doing it,” said organizer, Carol Graybeal, in the days leading up to the fundraiser. “They realize what they’re doing is raising money for their post prom.”

“Mr. Solanco” may have been a beauty pageant spoof, but that doesn’t mean the contestants didn’t take the event seriously. Competitors practiced two to three times a week for 30 minutes at a time in the weeks leading up to the event. “They are really investing a tremendous amount of time,” Carol reported. “They are doing a great job. The dance is going to be phenomenal.”

She was also grateful for the competitors’ commitment. “They’re dedicated,” Carol said. “Some of the students aren’t in the building that much, but they’re coming in for practices. They’re taking the dance as seriously as teenage boys can take a dance. I’m happy with my crew.”

As for the purpose of the fundraiser, Carol noted, “The post prom is a safe place for kids to go after the prom. The money raised [from “Mr. Solanco”] all goes to the activities for the kids to hang out after the prom.”

The “Mr. Solanco” participants were excited to be performing in front of an audience. “I just think it’s a fun thing to do to raise money for post prom and show my personality a little bit,” Austin said. “It’s been fun hanging out with everybody and getting to know the dance we’re doing.”

Nathan said, “It’s just the group of guys who were joining. I’m friends with all of them; it’s a cool group of guys. It’s a blessing to do this my final year, and the dance we’re doing is pretty fun.”

Addison stated he is happy to be raising money for post prom. “[Being a senior] means a lot to me, and I want to go out with a bang,” he said.

“It’s been pretty fun meeting with the guys and trying to learn a dance,” Carter said. “It’s been an enjoyable few weeks. I’m not very good at dancing, but it’s fun to try.”

Braedon said, “It’s been great working with all of these people. I will probably be more nervous when I am actually doing it in front of people, but originally when I started, I was worried about it. Now I just think it’s going to be fun and I’m not really as nervous.”

“‘Mr. Solanco’ is one of biggest fundraisers,” Carol said of efforts that have included a dance held at the Lancaster County Sports Farm, a pizza promotion and other benefits.

George Deibel writes for the community newspapers – Merchandiser, Advertiser and Pennysaver – that are published by Engle Printing & Publishing, Townlively.com.