Theme announcement day at Campolindo in 2009 Photo Colleen Stagg

If you've had children in high school, then you know - Grad Night is a big deal. And at Campolindo High School (Campo), the announcement to seniors of the event's theme is a formal affair. "After finals and at the beginning of the second semester, it is hard to keep the seniors engaged," says Laurie Hoyt, Grad Night co-chair, "the announcement day builds up the excitement and gives them something to look forward to." This year's Grad Night theme will be announced on February 8th.

Margaret Qualls is in charge of the parent effort on announcement day, along with her team of volunteers. "We decorate the entrance of the school, where the seniors will arrive, and G-hall in the theme that was chosen," she says, "it gives them a taste of what Grad Night will be like." Seniors will be given an invitation to the party at the same time. At lunchtime, Campo teachers put on a show just for seniors.

"I am not sure when, specifically, the skit started but it has been around at least since 2004," says Social Studies teacher Paul Verbansky, "it's a way for teachers and staff to partake in the Grad Night festivities and the skit also lets students see their teachers joyfully make fools of themselves." Verbansky and fellow teacher Lisa Herzig spent weeks writing a script that incorporates some of the theme's characters, elements of the Campo community (often inside jokes for seniors) and some pop culture references, with an adventurous storyline.

"The Grad Night skit allows teachers from all grade levels and subjects to work together along with counselors, administrators and other staff," notes Verbansky, "there aren't too many opportunities that you have the Government teacher standing side-by-side with the Math teacher and the Woodshop teacher, in front of a group of students; especially not when they're dressed in silly costumes. In times of budget crisis and doom-and-gloom scenarios, it is important to remember what wonderful schools we have in our community and how much positive is around us," he concludes, "the short Grad Night Theme Skit is an example of the dedication the Campolindo staff has to the school and its students. It is a fabulous tradition."

Qualls finds that being involved creates fun relationships as well. "On the Grad Night committee I work with parents I've known for years, some I don't know and parents of kids with whom my boys played when they were in 1st grade," she explains.

Hoyt says a few volunteer positions still need to be filled, "We need a chair for donations, and someone to manage volunteers at the event; both are administrative and organizational positions that can be managed off line," she adds.

In the meantime, other committees are already engaged in preparing the decorations, activities, shows and food that will make Grad Night special. "The reason we are doing this is to create a memorable and safe party for our kids," adds Hoyt, "we want to keep them engaged all night, for that last time in their life when they will be together for fun."

To volunteer, contact Hoyt (lauriehoyt@comcast.net) and co-Chair Val Pettegrew

(valpettegrew@sbcglobal.net).