Photograph by Robert Scheer
Judy Wolthausen, left, was working on measuring a piece for Saratoga High's Grad Night when she was surprised by friend Shari Parkinson, who stopped by for a visit.
By Tim Persyn
The graduating seniors will be the stars of Saratoga High School Grad Night, an all-night party running from 9 p.m. June 13 until 5:30 a.m. June 14.
The aim of the night is to give the graduates a safe and sober place to party the night away.
The theme is being kept secret. What is certain is that the festivities will feature all-night entertainment, including music, inline skating, a casino and karaoke.
In addition, students will be honored for their work in areas such as theatre, sports, academics, and community service. Organizers say the recognition will include baby and adolescent pictures of the students.
The parents of graduating seniors have been planning and constructing props for the Grad Night festivities all year long. When completed, the quad at Saratoga High will be the site for one great big party in honor of its latest batch of graduates.
The school's Grad Night started in the 1980s as a way of giving the graduating class a safe, fun and drug- and alcohol-free party. The event has grown in popularity to the point that almost every graduate participates.
Past themes have included "The Circus," "Back to the Future" and "Under the Sea."
"Grad Night has gotten a great rep--the kids look forward to it," said Judy Wolthansen, a member of the decorations committee. She said the graduates respect the drug- and alcohol-free setting of the event.
To raise the money and resources necessary for this year's all-nighter, the seniors have bought bids and the community has made donations.
The majority of the parents of graduating seniors will have participated in some way by the event's end. Interested parents have planned, decorated and constructed the setting, and there is even a committee to clean up the morning after.
Wolthansen said the parents have logged hundreds of hours to prepare for the night. "It's nice for the kids to see the parents work together," said Cheryl Martlage, also on the decorations committee.
All the work is done for the students. "The kids are the stars," said Wolthansen. She added, "There are no cliques at Grad Night. They have fun as a class."
This article appeared in the Saratoga News, June 12, 1996.
©1996 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved