Chem-free grad committee keeps working to make graduation safe and fun each year

By Ken Johnston
Editor

You have heard the commercials for a major credit card say, “Its priceless!”
That is how organizers feel about the annual Rainy River High School Chem-free Grad Party. But in actual fact the event does have a price-tag. Chair of this year’s Chem-free grad committee is Linda Beller and she said that they estimate the party will cost about $9,000.00. But to the committee that is a small price to keep graduates safe on one of the biggest days of their life. There are 31 students set to graduate this year and they all voted on what activities they want to have take place at Chem-free grad. “They voted for the inflatables this year,” said Beller, “Which can be pricey depending upon what modules you order.”
They plan to have the party in the Rainy River Arena on June 24th after the official commencement ceremony at RRHS. While not all grads will choose to attend the party, Beller said that the numbers in the past have been very good. “I can’t put my finger on an exact percentage as each grad can bring a guest, but there has been a good turnout.” Keeping just one grad is priceless; so if more attend all the better.
The event is as the name suggests. “There is no booze, no drugs and no smoking allowed,” explained Beller. The facility also practises a lockout policy. Once the participants are in they can not leave. If they do they can not get back in.
There is great food provided by parents of the grads and there are all kinds of fun activities held throughout the night. As in the past there will also be attendance prizes, many of which are spectacular in nature.
Fund raising efforts for the Chem-free grad party are well underway. To date they have raised about $1,800 through activities like raffling an IPod off, etc. This Saturday they are hosting the annual RRHS Chem-free Grad Valentines Day Tea. “We hope to make about $1,000 at the tea,” said Beller.
They will also be drawing (at the tea) for an overnight stay at La Place Rendezvous in the jacuzzi sweet that includes a $50 gift basket from Safeway.
A new draw will begin on Feb. 15th for a trip for two to Vegas (1st prize), a spa weekend in Winnipeg (2nd prize) and $100 cash (3rd prize). It will be drawn on April 1st.
The committee will also be approaching area businesses for donations to help out with the event.
Beller is confident that the community and area will make it to the $9,000 goal. “It is a night that people want to celebrate, but we do not want anyone to end up in the hospital the next day. I hope all the grads will take advantage of it (Chem-free grad party) and that parents will encourage them to do so,” concluded Beller.
Parents that are on the committee for Chem-free grad are Linda Beller, Maria Big George, Heather Anderson, Tammy McNally, Marilyn Hansen and Kristine Brown. School staff members helping organize include Cathy Seguin, Georgina Jarvis and Joy Wilson. For more information on how you can help this cause contact any of them or RRHS (852-3284).