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Grad Night organizers seek volunteers

 

For more than 25 years, the seniors of Sonoma Valley High have celebrated Graduation Night together.

"Grad Night" began here at Sonoma Valley High and, as many good ideas do, it spread. Across the country, communities work hand-in-hand to provide a safe and sober party for their kids to enjoy a final night together.

But volunteers are needed to help make the event a success for the class of 2011, specifically working the midnight to 3 a.m. shift to supervise the night and to help with the set up and clean up before and after the event.

Sonoma's Grad Night will be celebrated Friday, June 3. The Grad Night committee invites the community to come and preview the festivities from 6 to 8:30 p.m. just before the kids arrive in Pfeiffer Gym. See the change from high school to fantasy land. Take a gander at the activities in store for the new grads. Wonder at the stunningly-themed decorations that help keep 18-year-olds entertained through the night.

The community - both individuals and organizations - has been generous through the continuing downturn in the economy. Cash donations reached $12,000.

The Grad Night raffle brought in an additional $6,000. Local businesses continue to provide food, goods and gift certificates for the students at the event. It costs more than $100 a student to put on Grad Night; the kids are asked to pay $50, with a small increase if they wait until the end of the year to buy their tickets.

Grad Night is more than the all-night party. It's the senior breakfast the morning of graduation. It's the class T-shirts, distributed at no cost, naming all members of the class of 2011. It's the festive decorations that make Arnold Field more than just a football gridiron. Grad Night is the community's way of saying, "Be safe, young ones. Let tonight be about, pride, fun and memories."

The transformation of Sonoma Valley High takes place Thursday, June 2. Set up starts at 8 a.m. With students still taking finals, many people with trucks and tools will labor to move and build the framework for the booths.

Volunteers with tools and trucks are needed. Meet at the containers behind the tennis courts. Decorating begins once the set pieces are in place. More volunteers are needed at Pfeiffer Gym on Thursday, June 2, after 1 p.m. or Friday, June 3, after 8 a.m.

Volunteers are also needed for the clean up which starts at 6 a.m. on Saturday, June 4.