‘Haunts on the Hill’ scares up support for Dover after-prom fundraiser

DOVER, Ark. — Screams echo through the halls of the old Dover Middle School each October — but for students and parents behind Haunts on the Hill, the scares come with a purpose: keeping teens safe long after prom night.

The annual haunted house fundraiser, hosted by Dover High School students and parents, raises money for the school’s after-prom celebration — an all-night event designed to give students a safe, fun, and sober place to spend the night after the dance.

“We put the haunted house on so that we can raise funds for an after-prom to give the students a safe place to go,” said senior sponsor mom Tosha Sharp. “Instead of going out and doing things that they shouldn’t be doing or falling under the peer pressure of driving under the influence of alcohol or something.”

Sharp said since the tradition began, the effort has helped significantly reduce — and nearly eliminate — DWI incidents on prom night. Students have only a short window to get from prom to after prom, and once they’re inside, the doors stay locked until 2 a.m.

“Having after prom, you have one focus and that’s to get straight there,” said senior Caden Sharp. “You have a certain amount of time between prom and after prom that you have to be there, and if you’re not there, then you’re not allowed in.”

Students say the haunted house gives them ownership in funding the event — and a chance to give back to their school.

“It’s just fun to watch people come through and get scared, knowing that you’re throwing something fun for the community and helping your school by raising money,” said junior Samantha Greathouse.

Others say it’s helped change the culture around prom night entirely.

“It definitely does,” said junior Reese Lovell. “I think it just takes people’s minds off other things — you just go have fun with your friends.”

For students like Kyen Baynes, the fundraiser is a way to build community spirit while ensuring everyone has a memorable — and safe — senior year.

“I wanna raise money for my school and my fellow classmates so we can have a really good time,” Baynes said.

From fog machines to cobwebs, organizers say the haunted house takes months to plan, but the payoff comes in knowing it helps make a difference.

Haunts on the Hill will run October 24th, 25th, and 31st from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at the old Dover Middle School. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students, with all proceeds going toward Dover High School’s after-prom fund.