Family, friends pack bleachers for Jayhawk-Linn prom walk-in

Kevin Boles and Aubrey Mayhugh pose for photos in front of the balloon-festooned backdrop during the Jayhawk-Linn prom walk-in on Saturday, April 18. (Photos by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal)

By Roger Sims, Journal staff

linncountyjournal.com

It was almost standing room only on Saturday evening, April 18, as family members, friends and those who just wanted to enjoy the pagentry, packed the Jayhawk Elementary School gym bleachers to get a good look or photograph of Jayhawk-Linn students and their dates dressed in their finest.

A previously planned drive-through entry event was scrubbed the day before the prom. Last year's prom ended up being a walk-through only after miserable weather threatened to make the drive-through equally unpleasant.

CoraLynn Bukkila, escorted by Ryker Carpenter, waves to someone in the bleachers during the walk-in.

The students didn't seem to mind the change, however. No matter whether by vehicle or by foot, it was still the grand entry and as students gathered in a room off the gym, they seemed to be anticipating the walk-through with the same amount of excitement or, in some cases, nerves.

Following the walk-in, the prom-goers gathered in the gym with relatives and friends for photos before retiring to the JES cafeteria, where a deejay played music and students visited at tables with refreshments. Following the prom, students went to after-prom activities at the high school.

Nicki Traul, emcee for the walk-in, prepares to announce the first couple, Bri Seely and Seth Shadden.

Family and friends packed the bleachers at Jayhawk Elementary School gym to view the walk-in.

Following the walk-in, families and friends gathered for photos. Posing with Jarret Ungeheuer and Celeste Schneider were parents Wes and Jessica Ungeheuer, on the left, and Tracy and Todd Schneider.

Photographer Bonnie Riley, an always-present figure at JLHS events, poses with her daughter Chloe Riley and Chloe's escort Landyn Samyn.

Jayden Holt, Eleanor Vaughn, JoVeia Clark, and Janessa Scott try out the digital photo booth stationed in the corner of the party headquarters.

Prom-goers settle in for a night of fun and celebration.

More photos from the walk-in. Click on each photo for a full-size image.