European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - May 31, 1992, Darmstadt, Hesse With overnight bags in hand students Board one of three buses headed for the All night party at the Center parcs resort. Chaperones a Tom the school and the resort. And for last line of defense Lakenheath officials have decided that students shall have Only one Opportunity to leave at Midnight before the swimming facility opens. After that the parcs Gates would close until the group leaves in Masse at Dawn. But the rules and restrictions do not appear to Dampen the spirits of students As they sit Down to dinner. Despite the efforts of the staff to create a sense of elegance for the meal a a $32 plate of Chicken vegetables and Virgin cocktails a this Many teens cannot help but generate a Burger King like ambiance with their antics and laughter. It is for the dancing not the sustenance that they have come. And they do dance. The first couple of songs play to an empty floor leaving students fidgeting nervously at their tables. But once the disc jockey grasps the situation he empties the chairs with a single slow tune. For the next two hours there is storm of formal Wear As Young men and women exert the boundless Energy that makes their chaperones Green with envy. However not All the action is under the dome. Ian Mcgee Ben Bagnaschi and other non conformists of the new order arc Chain smoking Marlboro outside. Ian 17, will remain perched on the same earthen Wall most the night while Ben 16, migrates in and out of the building reporting occasionally on the party within. According to his latest account the Pride of Lakenheath is crowded on the dance floor struggling to find a dance beat in a song by the Metal band guns no roses. A a in a shocked a Ben says. �?o1 did no to think they would recognize a guns no roses Ian and Ben Are by definition rockers. They Wear their hair very Long play in Rock bands and sport a healthy distaste for the status quo. Yet Here they arc at the prom the height of conventionality Rife with tradition. Ian says they were forced into coming by unrelenting girlfriends. Quot besides there a nothing else to do. Everyone is Here a he adds. In the orderly world of the military Community the forces of assimilation Are powerful. More than 180 students 80 percent of the Junior and senior classes Are at the prom. By comparison an administrator at a suburban High school in Florida estimated attendance at stateside proms at about 60 percent of juniors and seniors. Lakenheath a Josh Wainright 17, sees things a Little differently than Ian. Josh is a Jock lettering in three sports and says he does no to buy into the nonconformist routine. A this is an important time in my life. These arc the last Days ill be with these people my friends Quot Josh said. A a military school Isnit like a Hometown school in America a we wont be coming Back Here for Josh is one of those students always in the running when recognition is handed out. He was quarterback of the football team and a member of the Homecoming court. He a also senior class president. He makes no apology for his popularity. A the Way i see it the people who get this recognition Are usually the same ones you can count on at car washes or to do Volunteer work. That a kind of How it is All through life right people who put out extra get the tonight Josh adds prom court to his list of honors. He and his Girlfriend Lauren Gecewicz have been voted senior class Prince and Princess. A Good Friend Bill Bahr edged him out for prom King. Jennifer Jones known As the schools budding actress is the Queen. At Midnight the disc jockey announces the last Chance for escape before the Gates Are closed for the continued w Page 6 above Lakenheath principal Joan Halloran planned the prom As a Safe alternative for students. Left parents bid Farewell As the buses pull 31, 1992 sunday a Page 5
