(1888PressRelease)
April 22, 2008 - Murray, Kentucky - Stumps Prom and Party announced Wednesday, April 9th that Murray High School in Murray, Kentucky is the 2008 winner of the Stumps Ultimate Prom Contest. Representatives from Stumps made the announcement to a packed gymnasium during a surprise assembly last week.
The contest was open to over 29,000 high schools. The winning package includes all the elements to create an Ultimate Prom experience, an exclusive concert with Island Records recording artist Jon McLaughlin. Contest sponsor Stumps Prom will provide more than $5,000 of decorations, accessories and favors.
Schools from all across America entered the contest and were asked to submit an essay on “Why Does Your School Deserve The Ultimate Prom?” Stumps Prom chose Murray High School based on their essay describing the tragic death of classmate O'Brian (OB) Payne in December 2007.
Following their classmate’s death, the Junior Class decided to donate much of their prom budget, which they began funding in fourth grade, to the Payne family. The winning essay stated:
“The money that we had set aside for prom soon became a helpful tool for a mourning family in need. As class officers, we discussed the situation with our own family of peers, and together we decided that it was our duty and responsibility to assure that the family got back on their feet.”
The Murray High School Junior Class Officers submitted the essay with help from Junior Class Sponsor Kara Dowdy. “We wanted to honor O.B. at this year’s prom,” said Dowdy. “Winning the Stumps Ultimate Prom will allow us to honor his memory and celebrate his life in the biggest way possible.”
Murray’s prom is scheduled for May 3rd at the Murray State University Curris Center where McLaughlin will perform songs from his hit record “Indiana.” Students at Murray are greatly anticipating McLaughlin’s performance, but are especially excited about the Academy Award nominated song “So Close” recorded by McLaughlin (written by Alan Menken and Steven Schwartz).
“So Close” was chosen as the theme song for the Murray High School prom long before student knew about the contest. It was decided that the song would be a fitting tribute to their lost friend and classmate. “As officers, we believe that this is a once in a lifetime chance that was meant to be,” said Junior Class President Abby Dowdy.
Stumps, an international supplier of prom decorations and accessories, developed the Ultimate Prom as a way to give back to their loyal customer base of high schools in the United States and Canada.
“We wanted to give back to our customers in the biggest way possible,” said Shep Moyle, President of Stumps Prom. “We are honored to award Murray High School the Ultimate Prom and were all inspired by their essay. Stumps will also award 350 runner-up prizes to high schools that entered the contest, totaling over $15,000 in prom decor and accessories.
Stumps has been on the cutting edge of prom decoration and prom accessories since 1926. Today, Stumps supplies the decorations, favors, memory books and other items for eight out of ten high school Proms in the United States. Prom season typically lasts from the end of April through the middle of May, although some West coast and some East coast schools hold Proms during the end of May through early June.
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