Editor’s note:
Civic Spotlight is a new column in The Beacon that highlights the activities of nonprofit groups and agencies across Alger County. The first installment features the Senior All-Night Party Committee at Munising High School.
Seniors at Munising High School look forward to a fabulous all-night event, which is traditionally held on the evening of graduation. It’s an alcohol-free party where the seniors gather in a safe and entertaining environment to get together for one last fun evening together.
Graduating seniors, along with one guest who is still in high school, will play games all night long, win prizes and make crafts in celebration of earning a diploma. It’s only $10 for the graduate and guest to attend. The money paid to get in for the night is then used for prize money in various games.
The community of Munising has always been supportive of our local youth, and, once again, the Senior All-Night Party Committee is seeking donations so that all funds can be used for our group of deserving seniors. What is needed? According to the group’s leader, Mrs. Courtney Oas, it’s mostly volunteers.
Volunteers work in two shifts, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. and from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. It is preferred to have a minimum of eight adults per shift. Adults who are well beyond graduation age will be expected to ensure that students are safe, make sure they stay “locked in” during the event, keep the party rolling and help with cleanup.
Volunteers are welcome to participate in games and to encourage our seniors to stay awake and ready to receive prizes. The youth must stay until 5 a.m. unless checked out by the event coordinator to a parent or guardian.
If sufficient funds are raised, each senior will receive a large, medium and small prize.
At a planning meeting, senior Kate Mattson displayed a list of some of the items our graduates might use for a dorm: mini-fridges, area rugs, cleaning supplies, TVs, iPads and gift certificates. Senior class president Axl Richards suggested some outdoor ideas as well, such as fishing materials, kayaks or camping equipment. At least 10 seniors were present to suggest games or things they would like to eat or drink.
Games being planned include a Texas hold ’em poker tournament with our famous card dealer, Sam Brewer. The seniors hope to have a bouncy-house obstacle course, basketball games, pickleball, cornhole and a tricycle racetrack.
There will be two major fundraisers. The first will be a torpedo sale. Pickup of these delicious homemade bread-covered frankfurters will be 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on March 14. Seniors will be selling the treats from Feb. 17 through March 7. Volunteers will be needed on March 14 to make the torpedoes and assist with both pickup and cleanup. This is all done in the Munising High School cafeteria.
The second fundraiser will be in April: a seniors versus law enforcement basketball game. There will be an entry fee to attend, and all proceeds will go toward the event.
Contact Courtney Oas to sign up for volunteer slots, make a donation or ask any questions. She can be reached at 906-202-1959 or on the Munising Senior All-Night Party Facebook page.
