Submitted by Alan DiBona
The Friday Harbor High School seniors versus staff basketball game is on. Tip-off for the annual grad night fundraiser is scheduled for Friday, March 8, at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. at Turnbull Gym for a pre-game dinner and silent dessert auction. Throughout the evening, this entertaining event affords many fun opportunities for community members to support the FHHS Parent Teacher Student Alliance as they continue the grad night tradition designed to keep our graduating seniors safe on graduation night.
The evening begins at 5 p.m. with Andy Urbach’s famous pulled pork sandwiches, chips and a beverage — all for only $10! At this time (and throughout the evening) attendees will be able to bid on gourmet desserts provided by local favorites, as well as buy “arrest warrants” to put the (least) favorite friend or family member in the courtside jail. San Juan County deputies will be on hand to make the appropriate arrests. If you don’t want to be jailed, for a reasonable fee you can purchase a “get out of jail free” card. Otherwise, you just have to hope someone bails you out.
The game starts at 6 p.m., entrance is by donation.
As is tradition, fans will be treated to a friendly, spirited and highly competitive game of hoops.
Kids and teachers alike are out for a win. The half-time show won’t disappoint — Mr. Sawyer’s band returns, as well the half-court shooting contest ($1 per shot), and spectators will bid on a two-night stay at the Snow Resort in Glacier, near the Mt. Baker ski area.
Senior grad night is a tradition in Friday Harbor. Sponsored by the San Juan Island Prevention Coalition and FHHS PTSA, the evening is designed so that graduation seniors have a fun, safe graduation celebration. Students are collected after graduation in buses and transported from one event to another throughout the night. Grad night committee members are working hard to put together a of fun experiences. Planning for the event is hush-hush, with parents sworn to secrecy. Grad night is supported by fundraising and donations from local businesses. As one local business person said, “It’s a worthy cause to support, what can be more important than keeping our kids safe!” If you’d like to be a grad night sponsor, or make a (tax-deductible) contribution, please contact Tanja Williamson at 360-472-0337.
