Despite COVID-19 restrictions, Bruin seniors are excited at the prospect of participating in Safe and Sober Grad Night to celebrate their graduation.

COVID has greatly affected the organization of Safe and Sober Grad Night, the plans made so far “remaining fluid as Nevada County moves from tier to tier”, according to Grad Night committee member Julie Siegenthaler. However, as of current, the event will be held outdoors on the night of graduation at a different location than previous years. Additional safety precautions will be diligently enforced in tandem with the current Nevada County Department of Health recommendation, including spacing tables to ensure social distancing and sanitization. 

Ms. Siegenthaler provided additional information on the main priorities of the committee when making arrangements for the event.

“The title of the event is Safe and Sober Grad Night, which clearly states our main priority,” shae said. “This has historically meant giving kids a fun evening that keeps them safe from alcohol or substance abuse that can impair judgement and driving ability,” she said. “With the pandemic, the word ‘safe’ takes on additional meaning. Our goal is to keep our wonderful grads as safe as possible, which now also means providing a place that mitigates the risk of virus transmission. We believe it’s still going to provide grads with a memorable event at which they can gather to celebrate the completion of their high school education.”

For many students, including Senior Kylie Scaglione, celebrating the end of their high school career is one of the main reasons to hold this event.

“I believe every senior deserves a grad night,” she said. “It’s like you’re finally celebrating that you did it! You survived high school! We have all been separated from each other and I think bringing us together for one night would make everyone happy.”

Several students also gave their input on why they hope that grad night will happen this year, all of whom focused on how the event brings all seniors together for one last time.

“I know the idea was to prevent kids from drinking the day they graduate but I personally like the idea because it’s like one last thing we all get to do together before we say goodbye to each other and to our school,” said Senior Morgan Gillis.

“I think it’s important to hold this event because this year our senior class has disconnected from each other more than we ever have,” said Senior Erika Junge. “Grad night is going to be our last memory together and I think we need this considering all that we have lost out on due to COVID.”

“It’s important because it’s a chance for all of us to really connect and enjoy the time together we have before we head off into the real world,” said Senior Zach Williams.  “It’s organized to get together as one to say our goodbyes.”

However, Junge expressed her concern that the grad night plans would be cancelled if Nevada County’s COVID-19 cases status worsens.

“My concern is that it won’t happen,” she said. “Everything seems like it’s been going off and on about actually happening. Although they say it will happen now doesn’t mean it will.”

If parents with students in any grade are interested in helping organize the Safe and Sober Grad Night, the committee urges participation during their monthly Zoom meetings on the first Monday night at 6 p.m. via Zoom. The Zoom link can be found on the Bear River Daily Bulletin. If interested in donating to support the event, please email [email protected]

Scaglione expanded on her hopes for her grad night.

“I just hope to finally have a great night with my friends and fellow seniors,” said Scaglione. “It’s been a rough year for all of us.”