By Jason KUROSU

The death of Crescenta Valley High School student Berlyn Cosman in 1991 was the impetus for Prom Plus, which endures two decades later. Cosman’s murder at an after-prom party at an Anaheim hotel prompted the creation of the annual supervised post-prom celebration and features a variety of activities, games and prizes.

Prom Plus’s 20th anniversary will be celebrated with the Prom Plus Community Picnic, held this Saturday at Crescenta Valley Park from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will feature a wide variety of local entities, from youth organizations such as the Fire House to groups from Crescenta Valley High School, Rosemont Middle School and local PTAs. Safety personnel from Glendale police and fire departments will be in attendance, as well as the CV Sheriff’s Station and veterans’ organizations such as the American Legion and VFW.

The participating groups will be on hand for the carnival themed picnic. According to Prom Plus Co-Vice President Lisa Yeghiayan, each organization’s booth present for the festivities will feature a carnival game, such as go fish or ring toss.The idea was to keep the games reminiscent of elementary school carnivals, according to organizers.

The picnic is a way to promote the many organizations in the community.

“[We want] kids and adults to know how supportive our community is and how many organizations are available to help students and their families,” Prom Plus Treasurer Cheryl Davis said. “We would like the community, both students and parents, to join us at the picnic to get the word out about the various organizations.”

Davis added that the sense of community Prom Plus has engendered with events such as the picnic has kept their message alive to this day.

“For me personally, one of the things I love most about Prom Plus and Fire House is seeing how many of the volunteers’ kids have graduated from CV High School, yet the adults still volunteer and play such a large role in these organizations that benefit the community,” said Davis. “Many of the students who graduated also come back to help these organizations, too. I only joined Prom Plus and the Fire House three to four years ago and hope that others in the community will find organizations that they would like to be a part of now and in the future.”

Working with the community’s support has been the foundation of Prom Plus. Parents and community members volunteer their time throughout the year at fundraisers and during the event itself. The Glendale Unified School District, law enforcement and community leaders can be seen at the casino tables, in the kitchen and prize room during the event from midnight to 5 a.m.

It is not only individuals but also businesses that support Prom Plus. The Crescenta Cañada YMCA has been a partner with Prom Plus for more than a decade, hosting the event each year at its facility.

In that spirit of support, the Crescenta Cañada Lions Club has joined Prom Plus for this year’s picnic celebration by presenting the event.

The Prom Plus 20th Anniversary Committee had met to discuss what would be a fitting end to its 20th year celebration. They began the anniversary with a celebration held at St. Luke’s of the Mountains. Those who had contributed to Prom Plus’ success over the years were invited and enjoyed a dance performance by Prom Plus Club, the youth arm of the organization. The community wanted to end the yearlong celebration with a gathering of organizations that help support Crescenta Valley.

The public is invited to attend the Prom Plus picnic and learn what CVHS Robotics is doing, what the CV Youth Town Council has planned for the year and discover all about the CVHS clubs including the Key Club.

Any organization that would like a booth can contact Prom Plus at (818) 248-2740 or email mary@cvweekly.com The booth spaces are free. Admission to the event and games – including riding a mechanical shark – are free. Food will be available for a charge.

  Jason Kurosu