Chardon High School wins 2012 Rock Your Prom contest from 96.5 KISS FM

CLEVELAND - Students from across Ohio rallied around Chardon High, nominating the school to win this year's Rock Your Prom from 96.5 KISS FM. On his Twitter account, program director Bo Matthews called the vote a "classy move." And it was. 

"We were overwhelmed by the response for our Rock Your Prom contest. Congrats to Chardon for winning this year's contest," a 96.5 news release stated.

On May 5, the radio station, Rock the House Entertainment and American Commodore Tuxedo will rock Chardon High School’s prom. The club style event will feature the $5,000 prom package, including music from KISS FM Club DJ’s, DJ E-V and DJ Pana, concert style lighting, video screens and digital effects.

"Chardon High School graciously accepts this wonderful award that will bring great joy and something positive to look forward to this year," said Holly Mihalek, Chardon's prom advisor. "All of this outpouring of support is appreciated and overwhelming. It has truly played a significant part in our healing process. Thank you to everyone who voted, especially the students from other schools across the area."

Students from all over Ohio campaigned on behalf of Chardon High School, following the senseless tragedy on Feb. 27 when alleged gunman TJ Lane opened fire inside the school cafeteria. Three students died. Three other teens were injured.

Facebook pages were created, dedicated to making sure Chardon High School brought home the rockin' prom victory. The Cleveland community also voted for the school and showed support with websites from local businesses, several bloggers, YouTube videos and even re-tweets from Cleveland Indians closer Chris Perez.

In the end, Chardon High collected more than 50,000 votes, 70 percent of the total votes cast. And as the school’s healing process begins, 96.5 hopes hosting their prom will help ease some of the pain students have been through.

“We are all healing with the Chardon community,” said Matt Radicelli, owner of Rock The House Entertainment Group. “Rock the House is humbled by the outpouring of votes for Chardon High School to win this prize and we promise to give them the best prom ever.”

Below is a list of the top 10 schools (in order of # of votes):

1. Chardon High School
2. Wooster High School
3. Western Reserve High School
4. Hoover High School
5. Mapleton High School
6. Brunswick High School
7. Vermilion High School
8. Normandy High School
9. Trinity High School
10. Theodore Roosevelt High School

The online contest began with a nomination process on Feb. 13.