A new zero tolerance policy at San Benito High School’s Sober
Grad Nite may make the event even safer for Hollister graduates,
however, it may also scare some of them away.
A new zero tolerance policy at San Benito High School’s Sober Grad Nite may make the event even safer for Hollister graduates, however, it may also scare some of them away.
Nineteen of 40 students who spoke with the Free Lance said they will forgo tonight’s festivities, many because of stricter policies such as forcing every student to take a breathalyzer at the door and requiring their parents to pick them up when the event concludes at 4 a.m.
“I think there are way to many rules and it seems boring,” said Katrina Sanchez, who isn’t planning to attend.
The committee will enforce new rules this year, which begin the moment students arrive at SBHS. The doors will open at 8 p.m., and each student will be required to take a breathalyzer test before entering Mattson Gym. The tests will be administered by the California Highway Patrol and San Benito County Sheriff’s Department.
“We’ve had parents who have called us and they’re concerned about the breathalyzers,” Committee Chair Christina Ortiz said. “We want kids to have a good time and in the past, Grad Nite hasn’t had the best reputation.”
Sheriff Curtis Hill, a former Baler, said the students and community need to realize underage drinking and driving is a problem in the county. He said two young lives were lost to alcohol related accidents just this year.
“People need to remember that we’ve lost many young lives in this community and learn from that,” he said.
Hill also said if students blow an illegal alcohol level, which for a minor is anything over .01, the minimum punishment will be calling their parents. If the circumstances call for it, they may be hauled to jail or juvenile hall.
Senior Sheilah Overman plans to attend the overnight party, but said she doesn’t like the fact that her parents have to check her out.
“I think some of the rules are outrageous,” Overman said. “I don’t understand why, if I drove myself here and have been sober all night, my parents have to wake up at 4 a.m. to come pick me up.”
Although 19 students claimed they weren’t attending Sober Grad Nite, 21 did say they’re excited about the all night party.
“It gives a chance to celebrate our graduation all while keeping a level head,” Candace Stephens said.
A raffle throughout the evening offers graduates the chance to win tons of prizes. Luggage, televisions and even a laptop computer will be raffled off and sent home with the lucky winners.
“I’m going because of the raffle,” Casey Garner said. “I really need to win some stuff.”
Committee Treasurer Renee Whitely said the community has been extremely supportive in helping the committee, who has been gathering prizes for months.
“Some of the prizes that have come from individuals have had notes on them saying things like ‘thank you for keeping our children safe’ and ‘thank you for helping the community,'” she said.
Cameron Murray said along with the raffle, he’s looking forward to spending time with friends and unlike some of his classmates, he doesn’t need alcohol to have a good time.
“It promotes a safe night and it’s better than going out and getting drunk,” he said.
Along with food and prizes, there will be plenty of entertainment including casino games, bungee bull-riding, sumo wrestling, hair braiding, henna tattoos, a rock climbing wall, human foosball and much more.
Whitely said although there are other parties going on tonight, Sober Grad Nite will be the best in town.
“Where else can you find a $10,000 party going on here in town?” she said.
Sober Grad Nite will open its doors at 8 p.m. and end at 4 a.m. Saturday morning. It is free to students. For more information, call 637-1146.
