The Farragut Community Center had just opened in the spring of 2020 when Concord Christian School put down a deposit to reserve the Assembly Hall for its 2020 prom. That year’s prom never happened, which was a real loss for the school’s seniors, says Tracy Malone, whose stepson, Jacob, graduated that year.
Now her stepdaughter, Ainsley, is graduating from Concord Christian. This year, the school will finally be able to hold its prom at the community center, and Tracy is in charge of throwing the long-awaited party.
“Prom is always a big deal, and this year it will be close to normal,” she says.
The school hosted a lovely outdoor dance in 2021 at Maple Grove Estate on Westland Drive. But she’s excited that this year’s event will be practically across the street from the school, which operates out of Concord Baptist Church.
“This feels, for all practical purposes, like home turf.”
Tracy, a professional interior designer and certified event planner, liked the community center when she saw it back in 2020. The dance will be held in the Assembly Hall, and the space includes a pre-function area and a catering kitchen.
“It’s a great space. It’s updated but neutral,” she says.
She’s looking forward to transforming the space for the dance’s Great Gatsby theme. She brought Concord Christian Principal Nathan Pifer to the community center to show him how the event will be laid out. There will be a “selfy” station, special lighting and refreshments. They won’t provide as much food as they did last year since most kids plan to eat out after the dance.
“They’ll all go to IHOP,” he laughs.
Concord Christian has 177 students in grades 9-12. The school, which is a ministry of the church, offers a Christ-centered education. Its prom will also be a little different from other high school dances. There will be chaperones and a dress code, and the DJ’s playlist will be vetted ahead of time. But it will still be a special night.
“Prom is just a tradition that every school has, and the students look forward to it,” he says. “The seniors are celebrating the end of high school, and the juniors are celebrating being seniors next year.”
The prom is for Juniors and seniors, although some will bring dates from lower grades. Tracy expects approximately 80 students to attend.
After volunteering at Concord Christian for several years, she is ready to pass the baton on to the next generation of parents. Her family has had a wonderful experience with the school, and they’ll miss it, she says.
Principal Pifer is grateful for parents who give up their time to support the school.
“Tracy and her crew will make this a nice event. They really want students to enjoy themselves.”
Town of Farragut marketing and public relations coordinator Wendy Smith is your reliable Farragut insider.