SHS Grad Night is in danger

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SANDPOINT – Grad Night might not happen for Sandpoint High School seniors.

Grad Night is an annual tradition that gives graduating high school seniors one last chance to have some fun together, before going their separate ways.

This time-honored tradition has been held up at many high schools across the nation for decades. However, it is a tradition this year's seniors at SHS could miss out on this year because of a funding shortfall.

“We might not have a Grad Night due to lack of donations, which is what keeps the program afloat,“ said Grad Night volunteer Carolyn Mccorkle.

This event is not a school/district-sponsored event. That means all of the prizes, gifts, games, and the event itself — are paid for via donations.

However, this year the planning committee has not seen the number of donations it has in the past. Earlier this month, organizers took to Facebook asking for donations of funds and prizes, and volunteers. Since then they have seen $1,200 in donations but they still need help.

Grad Night takes place the same night as graduation, June 10 this year, is organized by the parents of grads, and is paid for by donations from families and the local community. Locally owned businesses even get involved as sponsors or by selling products like food and drinks at cost rather than making a profit. Making this event a community effort to send off its seniors and honor their accomplishment of graduating.

In past years the event has had a theme such as Casino Night. Last year’s Grad Night saw the planning committee going to graduating seniors with a survey to ask how they wanted to spend their last night together. Last year’s seniors decided on a “low-key” event that was held at the fairgrounds. The committee named this year’s theme “Backyard BBQ.”

The theme featured games, bonfires, food, and prizes. The prizes are set up in gift baskets or “kits,” consisting of items that students will need for adult life. In years past those prizes have included apartment or car essentials and outdoor recreation items.

This year's committee of volunteer parents is hoping to accomplish the same theme, with the main goal of ensuring they give the seniors “a fun safe last hurrah,” said event organizer Trish Butler.

What makes the event safe is the fact that it’s parent organized and chaperoned, students arrive and will not be able to leave and re-enter until the event ends. Parents stay on site and even find enjoyment in visiting with one another.

The committee is asking for help from the local community. With an estimated $20,000 price tag, the committee still needs monetary and gift basket donations, as well as volunteers.

“With everyone’s help, we can make this happen,” organizers said

Item donations can be anything a newly independent youth might need from gift cards to bedspreads, food items like drinks, and eating utensils are appreciated as well. All donations can be dropped off at the fairground office to Fair Director and Grad Night organizer Darcey Smith.

Monetary donations can be made by cash, check, or Venmo. Checks should be made out to “SHS Grad Night” and cash can be delivered to Smith at the Bonner County Fairgrounds. To donate via Venmo, go online to Venmo and search for @SHSGRADNIGHT22.

Volunteers can sign up by emailing Trish Butler: Kaich.dog@gmail.com or Darcey Smith: darcey.smith@bonnercountyid.gov .