... And Party ‘Til Dawn

Cricket Goodman, a sophomore at WHS, rides the Powertron at the “Because We Care” party

The Because We Care party, which has become a tradition, started seven years ago, Sheila Hancock said.

Hancock, mother of graduate Todd Hancock, said the purpose of the party is to keep the newest group of alumni safe after the ceremony.

“It keeps the kids off the street. It stops them from getting drunk or doing drugs,” she said.

The party was not limited just to the graduates, but students from all high school grades could attend, along with graduates from the year before.

During the party, students had a chance to play around on games provided by Parties, Picnics, and Promotions rental company out of Phoenix. A padded-sumo-wrestler tournament, a blow-up, jungle-themed obstacle course and a rock-climbing wall were the most popular attractions.

A bungee cord race track, padded-jousting, and a powertron were also available for the students enjoyment.

Terri Miller, chairperson of the games committee and parent of graduate Jennifer Miller, said she thought the games were a hit with the students.

“They still wanted to play when the games closed down,” she said.

TDL Entertainment was on-hand to let the students show off their singing talents with karaoke. Tom McCauley, TDL Entertainment’s owner, said he enjoyed the party and was looking forward to next year.

“We had a blast. Most of the kids in the school are really outgoing and energetic,” McCauley, also known as the KJ (the karaoke jock) said.

Along with the entertainment, each senior present at the party was entered into a drawing for gifts that were randomly selected throughout the night.

Hancock said the gifts were geared toward the student going out on their own in college or entering the work force. Some gifts were donations from area business.

“Every senior there got at least one gift, most got two, some even got three,” she said.

The grand prize of a computer with monitor and a six month subscription to Cybertrails was given to Jessica Ayres.

The process began in January with planning the party itself and the fundraising. Hancock said that letters explaining the party and its purpose were sent out around the community asking for donations. Calls and visits to local business were also made.

Hancock estimated the group of parents who put the party on had about $9,600 to work with and are still getting money in to cover the costs and paying for gifts that were not donated.

Food that was donated by area business was also available for the students throughout the night.

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