Twenty-six years ago, Albert Lea High School’s after-prom and after-graduation committees formed under one umbrella.

Their goal was to give kids a safe place to enjoy themselves on what police would say are otherwise high-risk nights, said Dave Klatt, co-chairman for the after-grad party.

For after-prom there have been activities such as food, games, karaoke, caricatures, sumo wrestling, bowling and a lock-in, to name a few. For after-grad, there have been photographers, a hypnotist, a casino and a rock wall. Every student leaves the event with a prize.

“The after-grad party is the blowout,” Klatt said. “It’s the last chance to just hang out with their classmates.”

Now, the volunteer parent committee that plans the events are looking for more volunteers — specifically parents of sophomores, juniors and seniors — to keep the parties going during the coming years. There’s one committee chairmanship open and several assistant chairman positions.

Klatt said there’s been talk of dropping the after-prom party because there’s not as many volunteers to help plan it or students who attend it.

“Where we’re really looking for is someone to take the after-prom party and come up with some new and fun things for the kids to do,” he said.

Klatt said there’s plenty of tasks for volunteers to get involved in. Time commitments vary based on how much time the volunteer can offer.

“We want everyone to know that would like to help that they can get a hold of us,” he said. “Anyone that’s ever been to any one of these events would come away saying the same thing. The kids totally enjoy it, and that’s why we keep doing it. It’s a lot of fun.”

The after-prom party is free to the students, while the after-grad party typically costs $30 or $40, depending on when the students sign up.

Klatt said donations toward the events in previous years have been wonderful, noting that it’s humbling to see how the community comes together to support worthy causes.

Upcoming committee meetings are scheduled for March 15 and May 10.

Parents who would like to volunteer can contact Klatt at 373-2377.