Concerned over students bending the rules with drugs and alcohol
at last year’s graduation party, concerned parents and school
officials want this year’s event a
”
Sober Grad Nite
”
, not
”
Sobering Up Grad Nite.
”
Concerned over students bending the rules with drugs and alcohol at last year’s graduation party, concerned parents and school officials want this year’s event a “Sober Grad Nite”, not “Sobering Up Grad Nite.”
The committee, made up of parents, school faculty and concerned community members will draft zero-tolerance policies and procedures for this year’s event to ensure its success.
Committee member Stephanie Garino said the community needs to understand Grad Nite is something everyone should take part in and support because it provides a safe place for students to celebrate.
“This should be an event that the whole community gets behind,” she said. “Our kids and our parents need to know and understand that underaged drinking is not acceptable.”
After volunteering at the 2003 event, Catherine Farnham was so outraged with student behavior she joined the 2004 committee to help create a better environment for the seniors.
“I was very distressed after last year’s event, and I wanted to help change policy so that when my kids graduate in a few years, they’ll have a great event to attend,” she said.
The 2004 committee hopes to provide a safe and secure drug, alcohol and tobacco-free environment where all the graduates can enjoy a fun evening of celebrating their success.
Similar rules have been in effect during previous years, but according to Farnham, they weren’t strictly enforced. This year, the committee has drafted polices and procedures and put everything in writing. Along with a zero-tolerance alcohol, drug and tobacco policy, any students who appear under the influence or in possession of illegal substances will be removed. In addition, adult volunteers will be held to the same rules as the students.
“We’re very fortunate that the group of parents this year are strongly behind the zero-tolerance policy,” Farnham said. “We’re trying to make social change, and in this community we have already paid the social price of so many young deaths.”
On hand to greet the students and make sure things stay secure will be the California Highway Patrol, Hollister Police Department and the San Benito County Sheriff’s Department.
Sgt. Dan Winn, of the Hollister Police Department, said he hasn’t been to the grad nights of the past, but he’s glad to see the committee is taking a strong zero-tolerance stance.
“If having us there helps the school to have a successful event and a safe place for everyone then I think it’s great,” he said.
From the time the event begins at 8 p.m. until the doors are opened at 4 a.m. Saturday morning, graduates can enjoy activities including karaoke, movies, rock climbing, bungee bull riding and much more. Unlike neighboring high schools, the SBHS Grad Nite is free to students because of strong community support, Farnham said.
“After last year, we had a lot of businesses who didn’t want to participate anymore, but because the commitment of the 2004 group, they have decided to come back another year,” she said.
Donations and volunteers are still needed to make this year’s event a success for the 200 to 300 graduates who are expected to attend. Anyone who would like to get involved can e-mail SB***************@ya***.com.
