High Stakes and Nike Dunks: Watertown After Prom Prepares for “Last Rodeo”
- Steve Jurrens
- Apr 16
- 3 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - As graduation approaches, the Watertown High School junior and senior classes are preparing for one of the most anticipated events of the year: the 2026 After Prom. Organized by a dedicated committee led by Tasha Torgerson and Megan Byer, this year’s event promises a high-energy, safe environment packed with prizes, games, and a few surprises.
A Night of Non-Stop Action
The festivities kick off immediately following the prom dance. Doors at the venue open at 11:15 PM, and in the interest of safety, the event operates under a “lock-out” policy. Once the doors are shut at midnight, students who choose to leave are not permitted to re-enter.
The committee has curated a massive lineup of entertainment to keep students engaged until the early morning hours, including:
· Mechanical Bull & Inflatables: Featuring a “Wipeout” style course and a mechanical bull where students can compete for the longest ride.
· Carnival & Casino Games: A high striker, “punch-out” trivia, ring toss, and the perennial crowd favorite, Blackjack.
· The Main Event: A professional hypnotist—a returning favorite from last year—will take the stage around 2:30 AM to provide the night’s grand finale.
Scholarships and “Dunks”
Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the Watertown business community, the prize pool for 2026 is record-breaking.
“The businesses are so generous and know when the time of year comes,” said Tasha Torgerson. “We have prizes from a free taco to AirPods, TVs, and even Nike Dunks donated by Service Plus”.
Perhaps the most impactful prizes are academic. Lake Area Technical College has stepped up to donate five $1,000 scholarships, each paired with a backpack full of tech gear. To ensure students stay for the duration, the largest “Grand Prizes” are drawn only after the hypnotist’s show concludes, usually around 4:00 AM.
A Call for New Leadership
For Torgerson and Byer, this event marks their “last rodeo” as lead organizers. The duo is currently looking for parents of underclassmen to “take the baton” for 2027.
“It takes a village,” Megan Byer noted during the interview. “We have a really great group of committee members, and it’s so fulfilling to see all different kinds of kids getting along and having a positive experience before graduation”.
Logistics and Inclusivity
The organizers stressed that students do not have to attend the actual Prom dance to participate in After Prom. Any Watertown junior or senior is welcome to join the fun, provided they arrive before the midnight cutoff.
Food will be plentiful throughout the night, including pizza, Buffalo Wild Wings, and plenty of coffee to help everyone make it to dawn.
Parents interested in volunteering for the remaining game-station slots or in taking over the committee for next year are encouraged to reach out via the 2026 WHS After Prom Facebook page.
