Parents seek help planning safe night for graduates

For high school seniors, their families and friends, graduation night can be a time of joy and memories made to last a lifetime. It can also quickly turn into a time of tragedy if celebrations are marred by the use of alcohol and/or drugs. That is why Fife High School mom Shirley Carlson and a group of other caring parents are working hard now to organize an all-night senior grad party where Fife students can have fun and be free from the consequences of driving under the influence.

To provide the seniors with a sendoff worthy of their academic accomplishment, parent party planners are seeking help from the community: financial donations to help underwrite portions of the total cost, and donations of non-perishable articles like gift cards and items to stuff in overnight goodie bags. It is not easy, or cheap, to map out a safe and full night of enjoyable activities for 150 students. The expenses of renting the facility, bus transportation, activities, food, beverages and prizes are considerable. Add to this the fact that many students would like to attend the party, but are not able to because of financial issues at home. About 35 percent of the high school’s students are on free or reduced lunches, which shows that some families most likely could not afford to pay the required ticket price. Donations from the community will help these students in need with covering the ticket cost and help more graduates go to the party and stay out of potential trouble that night.

Carlson, chairperson of the Fife High Senior Grad Party 2009 committee, said that thanks to donations already secured, “We’ve been able to help about 10 kids go for free so far.” She is hoping to help even more of these deserving young people, which is proving difficult given the poor economy and its impact on working families. “We need the help. The economy has been a real bummer this year,” Carlson remarked.

A significant portion of the event costs, about $2,900, is due by May 15 and includes $1,000 for two busses. Carlson said the committee is confident that those in the Fife/Milton communities will step forward to help meet this cost as they have so generously done before.

The organizing committee has done a lot on their own to trim costs this year, saving more than $3,000 over years past, and students have been out holding fundraisers, such as a recent afternoon of working the car wash at Lexus of Fife. Joeseppi’s Restaurant held a student-organized silent auction, and Louie G’s Pizza is donating a percentage of sales after Fife High games to anyone who mentions the high school. The Fife High Booster Club made a monetary donation, as did the school’s Principal’s Fund. Cash donations have also come in from Baydo’s RV, Sonne, Inc. and Fife-Milton Rotary. Several businesses have donated gift cards, including Columbia Bank of Milton, Mitzel’s and Tina Marie’s Espresso.  

Every year Fife High School’s alcohol/drug free graduation program has proven to be a powerful influence in preventing alcohol and drug-related deaths among the graduating student body. Those in the community who want to help keep this tradition alive and well for the class of 2009 can make cash donations payable to: Fife High Senior Grad Party 2009, P.O. Box 83, Milton, WA 98354-9318. To make arrangements for merchandise donations, contact Carlson at (253) 217-0153.

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