J.A.M. Deets:
WHO: BHS Juniors and Seniors + Guests
WHAT: BHS Prom 2025 J.A.M. AFTER PARTY!
WHEN: April 26th, 7pm – 9pm: Community Walk-Through April 26th, 11:45pm – April 27th, 4am: J.A.M.!
WHERE: Broomfield High School
Visit bhsJAM.com for more info!
For nearly 100 years, the high school prom has been a popular tradition. After-prom parties (and the consequences that come with underage shenanigans) have been around just as long.
Enter: The J.A.M. squad! This is a dedicated crew of parents and community volunteers who throw one heck of an after-prom bash at Broomfield High School (BHS). The party has been a BHS tradition for 34 years and counting, on-mission to give students a safe and fun place to have a blast after prom.
So what ignited this fabulous tradition of post-prom entertainment? Who better than Paul Derda, one of the founders, to give us the historical scoop!
“J.A.M.’s real heart and soul are the parents, high school staff, and community members wanting a healthy and safe environment for the students after prom!” says Derda. And, in typical “Derd fashion,” he carried on with enthusiastic exuberance, saying, “I was privileged to work J.A.M. for 25 years, and I’m not sure who had more fun, the workers or the kids!”
Each year, roughly 400 volunteers set aside time, talent, and treasure to bring J.A.M. to fruition.
So what happens at J.A.M.? While the yearly themes are kept under wraps, think AMUSEMENT PARK. They bring in giant inflatables, arcade games, music, plenty of food, and exciting prizes that students rave about. Erika Pazol, J.A.M. Co-Chairperson, shared this fun story:
“I was at one of our fundraising events in Boulder. A woman approached me, seeing that we were with J.A.M., saying, ‘Other than my wedding, J.A.M. has been the most memorable event of my whole life!’”
Volunteers work hard to bring months of planning and brainstorming to reality. They rely heavily on donations, including supplies, construction materials, and money to pull it all together. And it's well worth the effort.
Here’s what Annabelle Gallegos, a 2017 BHS grad and J.A.M. volunteer, had to share: “I love being able to contribute to the memories the kids will have forever while learning new skills and building community. It's really special to see how the whole town pitches in. I just feel more connected to Broomfield volunteering with J.A.M.!
Thanks to J.A.M., the BHS prom night is a night to remember!
“I was privileged to work J.A.M. for 25 years, and I’m not sure who had more fun, the workers or the kids!” -Paul Derda