A safe place to celebrate

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Dickinson and Trinity high schools’ seniors can celebrate at an after-graduation party Sunday.

Students should arrive at DHS at 9:30 p.m. to board buses for an undisclosed location, said Sandy Beaudoin, After Grad Committee co-chairperson.

“Basically, it’s for kids to get together one last time,” she said.

“It’s important to us to provide the kids with an opportunity to celebrate their last evening together in a safe environment and knowing they’re going to be having a good time,” added co-chairperson Cora Seiler. “We don’t have to worry about them getting into trouble or having something tragic happen.”

Beaudoin said the committee’s mission statement is to provide a fun, memorable night for graduating seniors to be together in a safe, drug-free, alcohol-free environment.

“It’s to prevent a tragedy and to celebrate life,” she said.

More than 140 seniors have signed up.

“This is the biggest number of students ever,” Beaudoin said.

Students can register until they board the bus. A $10 entry fee goes toward expenses, she said.

The entertainment will include a variety of games — “Win in a Minute,” “Fear Factor” and “Battle of the Sexes.”

K-Hook will provide music and hypnotist/magician Doug MacCraw will also entertain, Beaudoin said.

“We have lots of food — pizza, subs, vegetables, cookies and pop,” she added.

Door prizes will be awarded, and top prizes include two lap-top computers, a dorm-sized refrigerator, flip camcorder, IPod Touch, two digital cameras and two Blu-ray players.

Students will board the buses at 3:30 a.m. for return to Dickinson.

Beaudoin credits success of the party to the volunteer parents and to the local business community.

“It was started by parents and it has grown and grown,” she said. “They put in a lot of hard work and a lot of time.”

The committee always welcomes additional volunteers and sponsors.

“We have a good amount of things covered, but anyone willing to help will not be turned away,” Seiler said. “Anybody who wants to experience the excitement of the evening is welcome to contact us.”

She said the parents serving on the committee are looking forward to the upcoming event.

“Especially last week when we found the totals of kids registered,” Seiler said. “I think it’s that much more satisfying. We started planning in December — that extra step to start a bit earlier has raised the excitement.”

Tags: lifestyle, education, schools, trinity