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By LeRae Haynes 

The momentum is building toward Dry Grad this spring, where approximately 500 teens will enjoy the glitz and glamour of a Vegas-style event. Although volunteer recruitment is on a roll and more than 100 volunteers have signed up for this year, at least 150 more are needed to make the entire event a success.   

(Photo: Parents, families and students look forward to another successful Dry Grad weekend in Williams Lake.)

All Grades 12 students in the District have been invited to participate, including home schooled students, Maranatha Christian School kids, GROW, Williams Lake Secondary School and Columneetza. 

“It used to be that almost every grad weekend, somebody died or was severely injured,” said Dry Grad Chair Pat Leckie, whose youngest daughter is graduating this year. “I think Dry Grad is one of the main things that changed that. 

“Social awareness has also really changed drinking and driving---the onus is now also on the person who is serving the booze, whether it’s a drinking establishment or a house party,” she said.  

She explained that Dry Grad would never happen without generous support from local businesses every year. “If people don’t have the money now, they put the hours in—they want to help and they believe in it,” she said. “Graduation is the kids’ transition: it’s their last ‘kid’ night and people want grads to have a memorable evening in a good way: safe and fun and positive.” 

The committee is currently selling raffle tickets to raise money for Dry Grad, with a 40” Samsung TV with BlueRay as first prize, a Samsung Flash camcorder as second, and a Sony 12.1 MP digital camera as third prize.

Pat explained that tickets are available at 150 Mile Store, Williams Lake Honda, and Pat's Dog Grooming, as well as from parents of graduates. 

There will also be a fundraising fashion show for Dry Grad in March, where graduates will model clothing and accessories from local merchants.   

The prom stars at 9pm and the activities start at midnight at the Cariboo Memorial Complex. Pat said that this year instead of goodie bags, each student will receive a prize and there will be 10 grand prizes for students, drawn at the end of the night. 

The Dry Grad committee has 15 different activities planned for the graduates, including swimming at the Complex. “My older daughter had a blast at her dry grad night, which was about 10 years ago,” Pat continued. “She said that she loved seeing everybody is a different context than at school, and even won a huge prize of some very nice camping equipment.”    

Another real highlight for graduates, according to Pat, is the Grad Parade.

 “It’s awesome for the kids---they love the crowds and the attention. “Parents can feel good and feel proud that their kids have reached this milestone. Graduation is the biggest night of their lives, and you can rest assured that Dry Grad gives you the piece of mind that your kid is safe and is having a blast.” 

 She explained that there will be a big push for volunteers the beginning of April. “All you need is a willingness to help, a criminal record check and the desire to help kids celebrate an enormous event in their young lives in the best possible way.” 

For more information about Dry Grad or to find out how you can help, phone Pat Leckie 305-2259 (email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or phone Rhonda Hordiuk 250-392-5015 (email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )

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