Celebration Graduation started in 2002 with a group of parents who wanted to give their kids a safe night to celebrate one last time as a class.

It has since become a tradition that takes a great amount of teamwork and money to plan a complete night’s worth of activities and dining for the kids.

The fun part is the fact that the night’s events are kept secret. Students are tossed on a bus and whisked away without knowing where they will end up.

Each senior’s parent is asked to contribute in whatever way possible to make this year a great success.

They have meetings every month, and there is a reminder published in the newspaper a few days before each meeting.

Their next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 5:30 p.m. at Spruce Ridge Golf Course. They are looking forward to seeing as many parents as possible.

Some parent announcements that they need to take care of: They are looking for baby pictures of each student, as well as their senior picture.

Please call Dee Herman at (269) 461-6598 or Rod and Vicki Pletz at (269) 876-0090 for information on where to send your pictures.

In addition to these pictures, they would love any group pictures you may have or take throughout the next year.

These could include sports groups, music groups or anything you think would be a good addition.

Celebration Graduation 2010 has signed up to work at the Niles Haunted House, which is a great fundraiser and a lot of fun.

Senior students are allowed to work and they encourage you to sign up as this is a great way for you to get involved.

Parents are also needed. Please contact Shellie Dowsett at 782-9170 for schedules and sign-up times.

Any donation you could make is greatly appreciated.

There are many events coming up where they could use your help and/or donation.
Monetary donations are also appreciated and will be allocated to whichever event you would like. Please contact Beth Cripe at 782-0099 for information on where to send your donation.

Celebration Graduation 2010’s schedule of events so far includes:

• Four-wheeler raffle. They will be selling tickets right up until the drawing date, Oct. 10, at Lake Effect Marina at Sister Lakes from 1 to 3 p.m.

• Authentic Mexican dinner – Held at the high school on Oct. 10 from noon to 5 p.m. Tickets will be available from any senior parent or by calling Elsa Soto at (269) 208-7386.

• Reverse raffle – Held Oct. 24 at Dowagiac Lions Club on Bluebird Lane, off Middle Crossing Road. Time will be announced at a later date. There will be a 50/50 raffle as well as a silent auction at this event.

• Trivia Night – Held at Dowagiac Elks Lodge 889. Date and times to be announced at a later date.

They also have homemade pickled asparagus and strawberry jam that are on sale and can be purchased at The Mane Attraction.

It will be a very busy year, but before you know it these kids will be getting their diplomas. Let’s send them off in a great way.

Thanks to all the local merchants, the school board and faculty, the residents of Dowagiac and to the parents of these great kids. None of this could be done without any of you and Celebration Graduation 2010 great appreciates it.