One of the many advantages of living in the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson, is that your children will be able to attend Catalina Foothills High School. I am now in my 8th year as an involved parent of a high school student at “Foothills” as the kids like to call it.Through my involvement with the parent organization, I have met many wonderful people who I’m sure will remain my friends long after our children have flown the nest.
One of the perks of being a Foothills parent is knowing that our kids will have a safe and fabulous graduation night thanks to the efforts of hundreds of caring parents. Grad Night has now become a right of passage at Catalina Foothills High School and is the party of choice for over 95% of the graduates. This year attendance was the largest ever - 418 students!
Immediately following the graduation ceremony, the graduates enter the gymnasium decorated in a theme chosen by the class when they were Juniors. (This year’s theme was James Bond 007 – quite appropriate in light of their graduation year.) The kids are not allowed to bring anything in with them. Backpacks with a change of clothes are delivered the day before and searched for contraband to assure a drug and alchohol free event. Once the kids have entered, unless their parents consent, they are not allowed to leave until 5:00 the next morning.
It literally does take hundreds of parents to make this event the success it has become. The planning for next year’s grad night has already begun. The decor has always been amazing. Parents with artistic and construction skills step forward to ensure the gym’s total transformation. One of the highlights of the party has consistently been the “Dancing Dads” made up of 26 Junior Dads willling to make total fools of themselves to the delight of the graduates. This year’s “Bond Boys” strutted their stuff decked out in tuxedos. After a quick change, three of the Bond Boys became Bond Girls which the kids (and working parents) found to be hysterically funny. In prior years the Dads have worn anything from pirate costumes to grass skirts with coconut bras depending on the theme.
The kids are served a sit down dinner which is followed later in the evening by a dessert bar and finally breakfast. They have access to an all night carnival, movies and casino style games. There is also a slide show made up of their pictures from babyhood onward playing throughout the night and a DJ for dancing. All of these activities are run by parents of kids who are not Seniors. Although Senior parents can help with all aspects of the preparations, they are not allowed to be present that night.
Foothills Grad Night 2007 was a fabulous success. I have been told it totally lived up to the kids’ expectations. The graduates were thankful, happy, and amazed that so many parents cared enough to put forth the effort to throw them such a wonderful celebration. It’s nice to know that our efforts were appreciated. Next year when my youngest son graduates, I’m sure he will feel the same way. As for me, I’ll be happy to know he’ll be having the time of his life while staying safe. Congrats to you Class of 2007!
