SAFE PLACE: Graduation celebration a safe place for seniors

Since 1986 the graduation celebration for Bigfork High School seniors has been a safe and fun way for classmates to celebrate their high school careers.

This year’s graduation party, June 1 at the Bigfork Athletic Club, will offer seniors a chance to have fun and win some major cash and prizes. The celebration from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. offers seniors food, games, displays and prizes worth thousands of dollars, says organizer Ann Lamm. Bigfork High School graduation is June 1. Computers, printers, televisions, car audio and X Box systems will be given away. The students fill out wish-lists prior to the party so that organizers know in advance what kinds of prizes are appropriate. Organizers purchased products from Best Buy to give to the students, Lamm said. Cash prizes are also awarded, with Glacier Bank donating $250 this year. “Everybody will go away with something,” she said.

This is the second senior celebration she’s been a part of, and Lamm says the parties show the students how much the community cares about them. When her daughter graduated two years ago, the year-end celebration provided a safe way for her to celebrate, Lamm said. “It’s amazing to know that the kids are being taken care of,” she said. “This gives them something to do when they’re on such an emotional high. It’s very positive.”

Each year the task of leading the organization of the celebration goes to the parents of the class president. Logan Lamm is this year’s class president.

The cost of the party runs into the thousands of dollars each year, Lamm said. This year a raffle for a landscape makeover helped pay for the party.

Donations are still being accepted for the graduation celebration. They may be sent to Box 2455, Bigfork, MT 59911.