Medium Candace Dalton connected guests with their deceased loved ones on November 21 at Dartmouth High School.

Voices of the departed guided Dalton through the crowd, allowing her to deliver messages from beyond the grave to particular groups or individuals. Some families were informed that their loved ones are in a better place. Other grieving family members were told to look for signs – like birds on a windowsill or flickering lights – that the deceased use to signal their presence.

Dalton discovered her gift at an early age, but did not fully utilize it until she was a student at a cosmology school. Under the stress of fitting in, Dalton hid her ability to speak to the dead until she started hosting sessions for classmates. Now, she hosts sessions both individually and with groups of up to 200 people. She has also developed a routine to get in the right mindset before hosting.

“The day before I’ll completely rest,” Dalton said. “I don’t even drink anything. The next morning, I stay low all day, and take a nap before the show.”

The November 21 session benefitted the Dartmouth High After-Prom Committee, which raises funds to host a safe, fun, overnight hangout for students following prom, said committee adviser Jen Cabral.

“The philosophy behind after prom is it’s a safe alternative for students to have a good time,” Cabral said.

While prom isn’t until June, Cabral and her network of 50 volunteers have already started fundraising. The crew sold baked goods at an October craft fair, and will host hypnotist Frank Santos Jr. on February 11at the Fisherman’s Club in New Bedford. A wine tasting on March 23 at Cotali Mar Restaurante will also benefit the group’s efforts.