Graduation night amasses funds despite challenges

Most seniors can almost taste the feeling that awaits them on June 4, the day when high school is finally over and it’s time to relax and have fun with friends.

Grad Night,  the celebration that follows graduation ceremonies, provides this exact opportunity: with most of the senior class attending, the event becomes a convenient way to have fun as an entire class one last time before going off to college. The theme is different each year, ranging from Boardwalk to Hawaiian, and kept as a secret.

  Funding, however, is a crucial question every year, and this year, more so than others because of the small size of the senior class, which has only 328 students compared to the 361 students for the Class of 2015.

As a result, Grad Night committee member Dory Albert said  organizers are aiming for a higher percentage of participation.   Because the number of activities will remain the same as last year’s, the cost will still be between $58,000-$60,000. If the money is not raised, the parents will have to compensate with money out of their own pockets, Albert said.

“As we have explained to others who ask, it really is a labor of love from the parents to the graduating class,” committee member Diane Clement said. “We want it to be the best it can be for everyone.”

Another reason for the cost of the event is the T-shirts that are purchased for all seniors going to the event, which will serve as “tickets” for the event.

As in the past two years, Grad Night will be held on campus. Not as much money will be spent on decorations, Albert said. Instead, more money will go to improving  activities at the event, which will result in more fun for the seniors.

“This is a close class of seniors, with lots of spirit,” Albert said. “Having the grad party on campus is a community-building process with parents who are very involved: we are excited to create something special and unique for our grads.”