OAKHURST – Yosemite High School Graduation is quickly approaching and it’s time for the Safe and Sober Grad Party for the Class of 2015. Organizers rely on the generosity of the people, businesses and service organizations in our community to make the night one to remember, and right now, they need help.
This year’s Sober Grad for YHS is on Friday, June 5, at Camp Oakhurst. The party starts immediately following the YHS graduation ceremony for any seniors in the Yosemite Unified School District, including those from Evergreen Independent Study, Glacier Charter High School, and YHS.
Here’s another date to take note of, as Sober Grad supporters will want to attend a Kiwanis-sponsored pancake breakfast on Saturday, May 9, from 7 – 11 a.m. at the Oakhurst Community Center.
“You can come out for some yummy pancakes, eggs, sausage and drinks,” says Sober Grad committee volunteer and PTA member Kimberly Smith. “We also have a special prize drawing happening that day.” Breakfast tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for kids 6-12 years old. Little ones age 5 and under may attend at no charge. Prize drawing tickets are $5 each or 5 for $25. All proceeds will benefit Sober Grad.
Last year’s Sober Grad Night was a big success due in large part to donations of time, products, services and cash, Smith adds, with the entire community coming together and supporting its graduating seniors. It was the first time the party was held at Camp Oakhurst, having previously taken place at the bowling alley before that venue closed down.
Camp Oakhurst is a big draw, and seems to have been ideal for all concerned.
Camp Oakhurst offers a host of outdoor activities, including swimming, paintball, high ropes and low ropes courses, a climbing wall and a giant swing. Students attending Sober Grad will have plenty to do indoors as well, with the committee planning games and surprises throughout the night and into the wee hours of the morning. Plus, the new grads can look forward to an abundance of food and fun.
As in years past, organizers will give away prizes that can the grads can really use in their post-high school, college and young adult life. The kind of donations they love are small appliances, cash prizes, sporting goods, gift certificates, services, and — no surprise here — cars. The YHS PTA hopes for donations of time, money, energy, prizes, services, food or any other means by which people can make this year’s sober grad a safe, fun and successful celebration for the hardworking graduating seniors of the foothill communities.
“We are seeking and accepting donations of cash, food, prizes, you name it,” the committee explains. “We would love to see the whole community rise up and support our graduating seniors. We are still contacting local service clubs, businesses, and individuals for donations of all kinds.” Receipts will be provided for the tax-deductible donation.
Please note that seniors must sign up in advance for Sober Grad, which in the past has been an all-night-long revelry with top-secret entertainment and a constant slew of cash, prizes, and even car giveaways. Sober Grad was a program originally started by the CHP, and while the CHP does not donate money for the event at Yosemite, representatives have been present in the past.
Anyone who wants to contribute may send donations in to the school, or request a visit from a committee member.
You may also mail or hand-deliver donations to Yosemite High School PTA, 50200 Road 427, Oakhurst 93644. Please note items must be clearly marked and designated for PTA. If you have any questions, please call Kimberly Smith at 559-676-0942.
