Rick Stiebel

B次元官网网址 Gazette staff

Royal Bay secondaryB次元官网网址檚 first solo dry grad turned out to be a night to remember, thanks to the efforts of a group of parents who had no idea what they were getting themselves into.

Because the schoolB次元官网网址檚 administration wanted to do the prom at the Empress Hotel on June 9, logistics didnB次元官网网址檛 allow for a dry grad celebration that day, said parent Kim Mayoh, who B次元官网网址渟pearheadedB次元官网网址� the prom dry grad carnival held on May 13.

B次元官网网址淪ome parents got talking and we decided to form a dry grad committee to organize a fun event for the students ahead of the official graduation ceremony at Uvic on June 4,B次元官网网址� she said, adding those traditionally have taken place right after the prom. B次元官网网址淲e really had no idea what it would cost or how we would get it done.B次元官网网址�

First, the parent volunteers presented the student grad committee with their concept for a carnival theme and holding a secure, alcohol-free event at the school in advance of prom. Once the students approved, the parents got busy coming up with a budget based loosely on the previous yearB次元官网网址檚 joint event with Belmont.

B次元官网网址淲e kind of winged it,B次元官网网址� Mayoh said with a laugh. B次元官网网址淲e had a great group of ladies determined to get it done. The total cost was $16,000 and we managed to break even, more or less, thanks to ticket sales and donations.B次元官网网址�

The City of Colwood made a donation and local businesses stepped up with funding and $7,000 worth of prizes. The committee also received $1,000 from the schoolB次元官网网址檚 Parent Advisory Committee and close to $900 from the BC Liquor Distribution Branch, which contributes to dry grad ceremonies throughout the province.

Royal BayB次元官网网址檚 leadership group helped out as well, earmarking profits from two of the schoolB次元官网网址檚 pizza days for the cause. MayohB次元官网网址檚 husband and son got involved by building most of the carnival games, which Mayoh painted. B次元官网网址淭he woodworking class pitched in by making three games that were more intricate,B次元官网网址� she added.

The carnival was staged on the main floor of the school, which made for a great open venue, and an outdoor fire pit area allowed students to get some fresh air. The highlight of the night, Mayoh said, was a hypnotist. Other activities included a magician, a henna painter, a psychic, casino, inflatables, a photo booth and concession.

B次元官网网址淲e got fabulous feedback,B次元官网网址� she noted. B次元官网网址淲e also did a survey with the grad council that was very positive.B次元官网网址�

Mayoh thanked the community for its support, sponsors and businesses that contributed, and the nearly 100 volunteers B次元官网网址� especially the B次元官网网址渇abulous group of ladiesB次元官网网址� B次元官网网址� who worked hard to give the students a night they wonB次元官网网址檛 forget.

B次元官网网址淚 have a daughter graduating this year and wanted to make it special,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淲ith what we learned this time, next year should be a breeze.B次元官网网址�

reporter@goldstreamgazette.com