SANTA MONICA : Volunteers Sought for School’s ‘Safe and Sober’ Grad Nite Party

As most high school administrators will attest, graduation night can be as hazardous as it is joyous. Twelve years of hard work, anxiety and excitement can erupt in a deadly fusion of drinking, drugs and driving.

To protect teen-agers from one of the most dangerous nights of their lives, Santa Monica High School is hosting its fifth annual “Grad Nite,” a drug- and alcohol-free graduation party, on June 22.

“Over the last four years, we’ve kept 1,700 kids safe and sober,” said Tim Lappen, the event’s publicity chairman. “It gives kids a way to celebrate in a safe environment with their classmates. It’s a wonderful event with lots of community involvement. Many parents work at the event but must get permission to attend from their graduating kids, which is kind of a cute concept.”

This year’s celebration will feature a Hawaiian theme, and graduates have been promised a “fantasy of Maui Madness.” The event will culminate in a slide show of the past year’s graduating class in the campus Greek Theater.

High school officials say they urgently need help in building and painting sets. Volunteers are also being asked to run the games, food stands and entertainment for the all-night affair. Donations can be mailed to: Grad Nite, Santa Monica High School, 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica 90405. Volunteers can call: (310) 394-1611.