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While some students practiced in the auditorium for an upcoming play, others practiced in the commons area for another kind of production.
"You're never going to turn your back to the audience," Susan Sablon says to Jonathan Rollins, after his make-believe stage entry, holding a wicker picnic basket.
Sablon is the president of Courtland High School PTSA. Jonathan, 15, a Courtland High School freshman, is one of the students who volunteered to help out with the after-prom fund-raiser.
Sablon describes the attributes of the basket, auctioneer-style, while Jonathan moves about tipping the prized item forward and opening its lid to display the blue and green fabric that lines the spacious interior.
"And this basket can be yours," says Sablon, "if the price is right."
This year, instead of selling items such as wrapping paper or candy to raise money to fund the after-prom, Courtland High School PTSA is selling opportunities to win prizes such as televisions, VCRs, DVD players and jewelry during its rendition of "The Price Is Right" game show it will be hosting Saturday.
"As models," Sablon tells the group, "I want you to dress the way you will be comfortable. You can dress sporty, wear dollar signs on your cheeks--I want you to make the audience have a lot of fun," she says.
Her words bring smiles to some of the girls waiting their turn to walk with the practice item.
Debra Russell, 17, is one of them. A junior, she is looking forward to getting dressed up for the show.
"Hopefully with something pretty," she says.
"I love the show, said Carla Joseph, 15, a sophomore. "I used to watch it all the time."
In addition to serving as models, students will serve as ushers and stage helpers. The junior class will offer refreshments. Students from other schools are also volunteering. All student volunteers will receive credit for community service, Sablon explained.
Audience members can be selected as game contestants and are eligible to win door prizes and play bingo.
Each ticket holder receives one free bingo card.
"It's unlike anything this area has ever seen," said Sablon, who came up with the idea.
But, she is quick to point out that the local production of the show is possible only because of parents, teachers, students and sponsors from the community who bought into the idea and helped with ticket sales, posters and banner design and monetary and prize donations.
"It epitomizes what PTSA is all about," she said.
Sablon said she saw the production in her head. It was the result of her pondering the idea of how to raise money for the after-prom.
Sablon has been involved in PTSA organizations for years.
"After eight years of buying wrapping paper, candy and gift items, I thought how about if everybody pays one price and gets something out of it. Then I thought--'The Price Is Right.'"
The shows will be at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday at Courtland High School. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the school or at the door. For more information contact the school at 898-4445.
To reach KATHLEEN LEWIS: 540/374-5000 ext. 5749 klewis@freelancestar.com
