Greater Peoria Area Homeschool Banquet

Starting in 2018 I spearheaded a local prom-like event for the greater Peoria, IL area homeschool high school students. As a homeschool graduate I wanted to offer a formal dance and dinner to high school aged students, with the opportunities that come along with it: asking someone the event, photo options, DJ requests, etc.

As both the event coordinator with this vision, the event manager and event emcee I funneled many skills into this one project. I determined ticket prices, and budgeted according to event registration. I coordinated catering, venue particulars, managed volunteers and marketed to and through high school homeschool students. I also designed policies, waivers and other legal protections for all involved. The most fun elements of event coordinating, the decor, design and activities were also planned and arranged by me, with the set up and tear down help of various volunteers.

In more detail this looked like basic accounting and cost forecasting, as well as collaborating with local homeschool non-profits to source the venue and other supplies within budget and, in some cases, without additional taxes.

The management of volunteers involved careful delegation, and necessary flexibility, with a range of tasks to include: set up, tear down, chaperone, catering pickup, serving and security. To ensure students safety and inclusivity chaperones of all genders were present, and hygiene kits were placed in each bathroom, plus extra first aid supplies were with chaperones. I was (and am) CPR certified.

Marketing for the event included online content such as photos, interactive posts, and consistent responding to student and parent questions. The first year over 60 students attended, with over 70 the following year. Word of mouth, follow up photos and posts, and teaser content between announcement and event dates solidified continued interest and growth in the event.

Each year had a theme (2018- Shoot For the Stars, a galaxy theme; 2019- Fiesta! A Mexicana theme), with corresponding decorations, dinners and dinner music. Each event included a moment of recognition for seniors, who had a bio read about them, usually written by their parents, and applause and congratulations from all. In addition each senior would receive a small memento, such as party glasses with the year or a pin, etc. These moments, though small, offered homeschool students a recognition they typically do not receive, as in a homeschool there’s no usual graduation event, homecoming or prom, etc.

Other activities were also planned, with quiet spaces set aside for more introverted students, including a space with giant jenga, other tactile games and some seating more removed from the loud music. On the dance floor activities such as a hula hooping contest, limbo and line dances were interspersed throughout other pop/dance music to keep spirits high and students engaged in the event. These small competitions had prizes such as glow stick bracelets and candies. Though simple in measure I cannot overstate the incredible power they had to build community and reinforce the celebration of the high school years together.

Due to the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns no further events were able to take place. However, in January of 2020 I did create a board for the event, in order to maintain its non-profit, and therefore financially transparent, records as well as to leave a legacy of inclusivity, unfortunately not always found in homeschool settings. This included dress code, gender and sexuality expressions, etc. being outlined by Formal event settings, not religiosity. I am proud of the two years this event took place, and the memories these students will have forever thanks to my, and many volunteers, efforts. Though asked to continue the event after the lockdown restrictions were lifted I determined to put my effort into my college education, though to hear the event was missed solidified my belief that learning the skills of intentional gathering are indispensable.