Safe grad program offers Carson graduates alternative

Nearly two-thirds of Carson City high school graduates will celebrate after the ceremony at an all-night, alcohol-free party followed by a trip to Great America.

"It gives them something to do and keeps them safe," said Gail Parsons, president of the Carson High School Parent-Teacher Association. "It's just amazing."

Inspired by the alcohol-related deaths of two 1987 graduates, the PTA began sponsoring an annual Safe Grad party where seniors can come and celebrate without the presence of drugs or alcohol.

Now, it's the main party. Senior Lisa Avitia is planning to go.

"That's what everybody's doing," she said. "Plus, it's safer for everybody."

The Carson City Community Center will be transformed into a party palace for the festivities, which will begin Saturday after graduation.

Sumo wrestling, mock gambling for prizes, indoor swimming, velcro walls, and Ping Pong tables are some of the activities that will be available to graduates.

"It's not like we're going to have to make our own fun," Avitia said. "They have lots of games and stuff. How many times in your life do you get to sumo wrestle?"

At 4 a.m. on Sunday, tour buses will arrive to drive the 290 participants to Great America.

"It takes a lot of people to put this on," Parsons said. "We need hundreds of volunteers to pull it off."

It's not cheap either.

Parsons said the association set a goal to raise $20,000 to fund the event. So far they've been able to raise $16,000.

The Mothers Against Drunk Driving organization donated a key ring flashlight for each senior, T-shirts to be used as raffle prizes and a monetary donation.

A $500 donation was made in memory of April Schultz who would have graduated with the 2000 class but died in 1997 from a brain tumor.

This year the party was also opened to students from Opportunity High School and six of them signed up.

You Can Help:

To donate money or volunteer for the Carson High School Safe Grad party, call Gail Parsons at 883-0467.