Sober graduation party in jeopardy

With no one willing to lead the effort, Carson High School's "sober graduation" celebration may not come to fruition this year.

Volunteer Jane Brinson said the decision will be made at the Nov. 1 meeting.

"It's probably going to get canceled because there's not enough volunteers," she said. "It's a sad day for our community."

Brinson is one of three volunteers on a board that usually operates with about 11 members, she said, and there is no chairman.

"There's no one willing to step up and organize it," she said.

The Safe Grad tradition started in 1988 as a way to keep seniors safe graduation night. It begins with a party at the Carson City Community Center and culminates with a 6 a.m. bus trip to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, Calif.

Patsy Cave, who volunteered last year, recently heard of the troubles facing this year's event.

"It just wouldn't be right if it got canceled," she said. "It's such a positive thing for the kids."

Cave has had two children who've already participated in Safe Grad, along with a senior and sophomore who she'd like to have the same opportunity.

"It's going to be a letdown for the graduates if it doesn't happen," she said. "They have so much fun."

And canceling could pose a danger to the community, as well.

"I hate to say it, but a lot of kids drink. It's just our culture," Brinson said. "If the kids are out celebrating and they're drinking and driving, it's a negative impact."

Cave said she plans to pass out fliers at tonight's homecoming game at Carson High School to recruit volunteers. Brinson hopes people will step up before the Nov. 1 meeting.

"That's when the gauntlet will fall or people will come desperately saying, 'Don't let it die,'" Brinson said. "I feel like I've done everything I can."

If you go

WHAT: Safe Grad committee meeting

WHEN: 6 p.m. Nov. 1

WHERE: Carson High School library, 1111 N. Saliman Road