May, 2016
It’s that time of year: soon the current crop of Grade 12 students will leave high school behind and set out to tackle other endeavours—college or university, apprenticeships, the workforce, travel or maybe even a summer off to think about what’s next. But before that, students will receive their diplomas in a cap-and-gown ceremony, followed by a formal graduation dinner with all the trappings. For many students, however, the real party will begin once the formal festivities are finished and the after-grad party gets started. But after-grad parties tend to make a lot of people a little nervous—hence, the birth of safe grads.
Safe grad has evolved over the years. Gone are the days when students were bussed or driven by their parents to the party, where they could drink heavily and party hard with minimal supervision knowing they had a safe ride home. Nowadays, safe grads are much more organized and controlled affairs. Supervision is maximal, the event is usually insured and medical and security staff are on hand—as are food and drink, the DJ, the light show, shelter from the elements, secure fencing (to keep the partiers in and uninvited guests out) and port-o-potties. The modern safe grad provides fun alternatives for -drinkers and non-drinkers alike.
The major point of safe grad is embedded in the name itself. Safe grad is intended to provide a physically and psychologically safe environment. No peer pressure to drink (though the option exists) or engage in risky behaviour. No drunk driving. No getting hurt. No damage to property. And an opportunity to celebrate one of life’s major milestones with minimal risk of mishap.To get to full story on safe grad, including the legalities, formalities and practicalities, you can click here.