Donations, raffle prizes needed for Carson High sober graduation party

The Safe Grad Committee at Carson High School is in need of more donations and more raffle prizes for its sober graduation celebration, scheduled to start 8 p.m. June 10.

Nearly every senior comes to Grad Night - at least 90 percent of the student body in the past - and they stay overnight at the Carson City Community Center until loading on to one of six buses 6 a.m. the following day for a trip to Marine World.

The only charge to seniors is $20.

"I'm pounding the pavement looking for anyone who wants to donate raffle prizes," said Teri Norgrove, coordinator for the raffle prizes. "What happens is that each senior that comes in automatically gets one raffle ticket when they walk in the door."

By participating in other activities, seniors can receive more tickets. Norgrove is looking for a minimum of 500 gifts and so far has about 40.

Gift certificates have come in from Starbucks, Borders and World Gym so far. Carson Lanes donated $250.

The committee is even slow on fundraising. The event usually requires $40,000 be raised.

They are at about $12,000 right now.

"It's been difficult because it's the end of the school year and people are tired of hearing from every organization in the school district trying to raise money," she said. "It's been a real struggle."

Call her at 691-1995 to help.

The following staff in the Carson City School District received recognition at Thursday's Light of Education awards at Casino Fandango.

"These are the employees committed to their children and their peers," said Lynne Trujillo, communications vice president for the Ormsby County Education Association. "They are just those who truly go above and beyond."

Carson High School: Bill Barbie, Jennifer Gray, Cherie Gavuzzi*, Stewart Peebles*, Shawn Schneider

Carson Middle School: Tiffany Ferguson, Terry Johnston

Eagle Valley Middle School: Chris Nerska, Cathy Barbie

Fritsch Elementary School: Angie Page

Empire Elementary School: Susan Squires, Nan Foltz

Seeliger Elementary School: Carol Antila*, Jill Steel

Mark Twain Elementary School: Dorthea Doyle

Bordewich-Bray Elementary School: Alicia Klaich

Fremont Elementary School: Ann Williams

Student Support Services: Heidi Leifson

Scholarship awards: Sarah Hutchinson, daughter of Robin Hutchinson; and Stephen Maples, son of Susan Maples

Friend of Education award: Debbie McDonald

* indicates two-time winners.

Shantell DePuy, a 16-year old Carson City girl, will be participating as a state finalist in this year's National American Miss Nevada pageant to be held June 17 and 18 at the Palace Station Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.

She works for the latchkey program in Carson City, baby-sits, participates on swim team, and is a yearbook reporter at school. She enjoys reading novels and writing fiction stories and poetry - six of which have been published - as well as spending time with her friends. Among her sponsors are Renee Wagner; Mike and Mary Goodman; Julie Reya and Erik Wilson; Doug and Penni Katzmann; Tony and Sherry Rane; Robert and Lorane Dyer; Sue Chamberlain; Grandma Jan Dunagun; Doug and Sabrina Lawson; Savannah Fritz; and Maverick Finance.