Hundreds of Grade 12 students from high schools across School District 43 are about to be feted at dry graduation events that will celebrate an important life milestone while also keeping them safe.
And while some might say it’s the parents who should be getting a pat on the back for helping get their kids through school, in fact, it’s the parents who will be organizing — and fundraising for — these epic celebrations.
For many parents, it’s the last fundraiser after years of helping with school, sports and academic pursuits — a year end finale that is part Hollywood red carpet gala and part thrilling amusement park.
“This is when parents step up and get very involved,” acknowledged assistant superintendent Rob Zambrano, formerly the principal of Centennial who has seen hundreds of students graduate over the years. “When the kids start out in kindergarten, the parents are very involved but as the years progress they are less so. In Grade 12 they (the parents) come back and it’s wonderful having the community coming together and getting engaged.”
Businesses throughout the Tri-Cities will be canvassed for prizes and nearly $21,000 has been collected at Tri-City liquor stores for dry grad events at local high schools, both public and private, according the BC Liquor Distribution Branch. Local donations will ensure entrance fees are affordable and to pay for prizes, while parents will be tapped to volunteer to organize or work at the event.
There will also likely be a casino with play money and raffles with big prizes, such as TVs and even cars.
As well, DJs, hypnotists, magicians, inflatables and other interactive games will entertain the young crowd into the wee hours — a kind of after party following the traditional grad dance or grad ceremony.
In keeping with an event to keep kids from partying and other dangerous pursuits, security will be tight. No one with with evidence of alcohol or drug consumption will be allowed in; there are no-in-and-out privileges at this party.
Once in the protected environment, students can hang out with their friends, supported by volunteer parents and even paid security.
It’s all part of the grad tradition that goes back several years and is a counterpoint to the sometimes reckless parties that start with the warmer weather in May and can last through to July.
For Kelvin Fong, the parent of a Centennial Grade 12 student who is overseeing his 12th dry grad this year, his children’s safety is a key consideration.
“I think it’s worth it just because I think I’m keeping 300 students and some of their guests out of a house party where there is no control other than parents or kids are out at the park or on the streets. Ninety five per cent in this class are good kids, but sometimes, the odd percentage will get led away and you want to have them controlled and in a safe environment.”
But to be sure Centennial’s dry grad goes off without a hitch takes months of effort. Sixteen volunteers are on the dry grad committee, while dozens more parents will be asked to volunteer at the event.
“Parents are doing a lot of work and it’s not going to be noticed or appreciated until the actual event,” said Fong, not releasing any details of the party to be held at Poirier Recreation Complex for fear of spoiling the surprise.
The students who attend the 2018 grad class will, however, get swag — such as Centennial key chains and a blanket, and, with raffle draws once an hour, are likely to take home a prize.
“It’s one of their last hurrahs,” said Jen Ghioda, one of the parents on the organizing committee.
Cinzia DeJesus, whose son is graduating, and who has has volunteered for dry grad for several years, says seeing the smiles on the teens’ faces at the end of the night is worth a year of hard work and planning.
But for these parents too, their kids’ safety is a key consideration.
“If they can get together and enjoy a good night, and not spend the time running around and possibly get into trouble, that’s great,” Fong said.
• Prize donations to the Centennial dry after grad are appreciated and more are welcome, to contribute, email Kelvin Fong at [email protected].
