Saratoga News

Photograph by Robert Scheer

Linda Bruton, cochairwoman of the Grad Night committee, puts finishing touches on one of the decorations for the big bash.

Grad Night 1997 is taking shape

Campus becomes construction zone

By C.J. Cannino

Saratoga High School looks more like a construction zone than a school campus these days. The sounds of hammers banging and drills whizzing are the final indications that Grad Night 1997 is taking shape. After months of planning and preparation, the school will be transformed into a huge festival of fun for graduating seniors. "Now we're down to the hammering and nailing; the fun stuff is over," said parent volunteer Debbie Goni.

Like Goni, dozens of parent volunteers have dedicated hours and hours of time building elaborate sets and stages to give the seniors the thrill of a young lifetime without alcohol or drugs. Many merchants in the community have been generous with donations of prizes, food and supplies. Grad Night is chaperoned by parents who stay till the wee hours of the morning so their kids can have a safe and sober finish to one of the most memorable times of a young person's life.

As always, the theme of Grad Night is top secret until graduation day June 12. But past themes included a party aboard a 747 jet and a "Back to the Future" bash. Cassandra Huston, chairwoman for this year's event, doesn't want to give away the secret, but "this year's decorations are something the kids are interested in," she said. For the past year Huston has devoted an average of five hours each week to Grad Night.

Organizers have raised $29,000 toward the event, including the revenue from the ticket sales. For $110, seniors can do much more than eat, drink and be merry from 7 p.m. until 4:30 a.m. There will be live music, a spot for roller-blading, a casino, games, a D.J., karaoke, a dining room, gifts and souvenirs. "They have the party of their lives; the best part is when the guys go to the beauty parlor and get made up and tattooed," Goni said. But for her son, the pleasures are simple. "I look forward to hanging out with my friends all night one last time," said senior David Goni.

The public is invited to check out the spectacular scenery at Saratoga High June 12 from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Huston recalled how unceremoniously she was elected to chair the event. "I remember how someone from last year called me and said, 'You better get down here and get these props, so you can use them again for next year.' " From there, she found herself responsible for planning the entire event. "It's one of those things that, when it's over, the kids say thanks, and you see how much it means to them, and you really want it to continue," Huston said. Both Huston and Goni said they wanted this year's Grad Night to be particularly special because it's something everyone can participate in, since many seniors will be left out of the graduation ceremony because of the streaking incident. "I want the kids to leave with a good feeling," Huston said.

David Goni looks forward to seeing his mom again. "The parents really put a lot of work into it; sometimes my mom is there until 11 at night." But Debbie Goni takes a realistic approach to all the hard work and planning "One day it's a school, the next day it's a party, then the next day it's off to the dumpster."

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