Legalities prohibited LPO students' attendance

There are legal reasons why Sandpoint High School could not include Lake Pend Oreille Alternative High School in its Grad Night. There are no reasons why LPOHS cannot enjoy its own.

Grad Night was created to provide a safe drug and alcohol free environment for graduates on the night of graduation. LPOHS and SHS graduate on different dates. It's a misnomer that SHS Grad Night is just a fun party.

The state of Idaho provides a grant when certain criteria are met including Grad Night held the night of graduation and the powerful mock drunken driving demonstration at the fairgrounds which seniors are required to attend.

SHS Grad Night is facilitated by SHS senior parents who volunteer many hours throughout the year for this worthy cause. Grad Night meetings begin in September and progress from monthly, to weekly then daily as graduation nears. Donated items and services are solicited by the Grad Night Fund Raising Committee with approximately 300 seniors in mind. Senior parents, friends and local businesses contribute.

I strongly encourage LPOHS to pursue holding Grad Night for its future graduating seniors. There are opportunities unique to schools with a smaller student body which are not an option for SHS. Perhaps LPOHS teacher Randy Wilhelm could facilitate a Grad Night committee consisting of the seniors themselves. A year-long class in business which allows the seniors to orchestrate their big night. Turn this into a win/win and start now instead of wondering 'why not' next June.

DARLA GREGG

Sagle

2007 SHS Grad Night

chairperson