Graduation Party Gambling Sparks a Controversy

Seniors at El Cajon Valley High School may rent a bowling alley--at most--to celebrate their graduation.

Those at Point Loma High School may be going to Disneyland.

But the real pomp and circumstance will be at La Jolla High School this year, where a committee of parents is planning the biggest post-commencement celebration in the school district’s history, according to San Diego Unified Schools Supt. Thomas W. Payzant.

On June 18, the east side of Sea World will be the stage of an all-night party, replete with gambling chips and prizes for more than 300 graduates of La Jolla High School.

The party, intended as a drug- and alcohol-free alternative to the private celebrations that graduates traditionally attend, will cost about $22,000, said Marcy Robinson, chairman of the committee. Games will include craps, roulette and blackjack.

“Parents are concerned every time their kids go to parties,” Robinson said. “There has been a problem of drinking and driving, as is the case everywhere, and we want to help them celebrate in a safe and chaperoned environment.”

But some parents and school administrators at San Diego area schools were less enthusiastic.

“The whole thing is someone’s mad fantasy,” said Elizabeth Cartwright, a parent of a La Jolla High School senior. “I am appalled that parents are being asked to contribute at least $100 to a night of gambling.”

Arthur Pegas, principal of El Cajon Valley High School, said that parents have rented bowling alleys for graduates, but the idea of spending $22,000 is ridiculous.

“I couldn’t get that kind of money to support my athletic program,” Pegas said. “Besides, I would not condone an activity that had gambling. I would do everything in my power to stop it.”

“I am in favor of finding alternatives for the kids,” said James F. Gauntlett, principal of Point Loma High School. “But gambling is not appropriate.”

Gauntlett said seniors have been content to attend Grad Night at Disneyland or gather at a local bowling alley.

“I would not call this party decadent, but it is certainly extravagant,” Gauntlett said.

Half the cost of the 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. La Jolla High School event at Sea World will be covered by the entry fee of $35 for each student, Robinson said. The other half is being solicited from parents in donation categories starting at $100 for All Stars, $200 for Gold Stars and Super Stars for making more substantial donations.

The idea was taken from similar parties that have been held at San Marino and Torrey Pines high schools, Robinson said.

In addition to the “games of chance” operated by parents, there will be Sea World shows, a band, a disc jockey, an hourly drawing of prizes, palm reading, games of skill, snacks and a complete breakfast at 5 a.m., Robinson said.

“It will be a night they will never forget,” she said.

Georg’Ann Fletcher, organizer of a similar event held at the Torrey Pines High School gym last year, said the fete was successful in keeping the graduates away from parties that would include drugs. Of the 420 graduates, 320 attended, she said.

Fletcher said the $20,000 event, which included a popular local band, games of chance, a look-alike contest, mime shows and a continental breakfast, will be repeated this year.

“I wish every school had the time and commitment to have something like this,” she said. “The parents were very happy to see the kids have an alcohol-free evening.”

J.M. Tarvin, La Jolla High School principal, said the expensive price tag and the games are justified by the costs of the alternatives.

“The cost of $35 is nothing compared to the price of a life,” Tarvin said. “And what do the games mean if the alternative is renting a motel room somewhere?”

“While this cannot be a school activity, I am giving whole-hearted support to any attempt to create a positive experience for our seniors in a non-drug and non-alcoholic atmosphere,” he said. “This is a chance for seniors to have fun in a controlled atmosphere.”

Leaders of the senior class said they had suggested the games of chance to the parents’ committee, and in January, the class voted 85% in favor of having the event.

“We just want to have a good time,” said Michele Oleata, 18, senior class president. “And the parents thought the games of chance would keep us busy, and it is better to have too many games than not enough. I don’t think that it is too extravagant.”

Charles Froeb, 18, said, “It is a good idea to have us all in one place instead of having to drive around to several different parties.”

Craig Choisser, 17, said he is optimistic that those attending will have a good time, but the belief that the night will be drug-free is “wishful thinking.”

“Everyone realizes that kids will do drugs if they really want to,” Choisser said.

Others said they are concerned about their peers who cannot afford to attend.

“A lot of the bused-in students from Southeast San Diego will have problems with the money, and I don’t suspect that there will be a great turnout from the VEEP (Voluntary Ethnic Enrollment Program) students,” said Barry Saywitz, 17.

Tony Jefferson, 17, one of the 85 graduating VEEP students, said that his top priority will be to attend the prom, and that he and his friends will have their own party after commencement.

“I’m not going to Sea World because the price is way too steep,” Jefferson said.

But Tarvin said jobs on campus will be created for those who cannot afford to pay.

“No one will be left out,” Tarvin said. “Everyone who really wants to go will be able to afford it.”