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Graduation and Grad Party just around the corner

Niki Diethert
Managing Editor

The end of the year is coming, and as seniors get ready for their necessary items, they might forget that there is a senior party coming up. It is for any senior who wants to attend, have a great time, and have another farewell to their friends.

Shannon Dinzeo is a mother of a Stillwater graduate, and is the head of the senior party committee. She wants all of the seniors to get a head up about this party and let the word out.
The first question students ask is how much it costs, and when the signing up deadline is.

"We wanted to have them in by May 14, but that is a soft deadline," said Dinzeo. "People can come and pay at the door, too."

The party is intended for all of the seniors. It is an all-night event that starts right after the graduation ceremony. The times are 9 p.m., June 12, until 5:30 a.m. the following morning.

"Last year about 85% of the seniors attended the party," she added. "It’s usually around 85-90% of the kids who show up."

The party consists of games, food, and even a hypnotist at 4 a.m., which is a big part of the night. Everyone from the community gets together and puts the party on. It takes around 400 parent volunteers, and they get donations from the community, businesses and restaurants.

"The community is comprised of all parents of the children," said Dinzeo. "We meet from Sep. through the party time to get everything together and to organize and get donations, and make sure it’s a good night for everybody."

The big give away of the night is a car, donated by Stillwater Motors, and there is a Disney trip for four that is given.

"Everybody who goes to the party leaves with gifts," she added. "Last year there was enough money given by the community that we had enough money to give away a laptop."

The class of 2010 includes a total of 751 students. The cost of the party is $50, but if a student would not be able to pay this fee, they can talk to their counselor.

Dinzeo said, "[If this happens,] the counselor does not refuse anyone. However, the committee does not want kids to just do it so they can go for free."
The senior party takes place at the high school, but if one is uncomfortable with going back to the school that they just graduated from, they should not worry. The school is completely changed and does not even look at all like the school that they just got done with.

"It’s totally transformed into a big party center, so it’s decked out and looks totally different, it doesn’t look like they’re going back to school," she added.

Most parties have themes. So for this party, some may think that this party has a theme, also. That is a misconception.

"[We] don’t really have a theme, kind of a black and red, because it’s a new experience every year for the seniors, because hopefully you’re not going to be a senior twice."