Parents and Volunteers Host 'Xtreme' Party for BHS Grads

'Xtreme Adventure' was this year's theme for Brookfield High School's Graduation party with X marking the Roman numeral 10. 2010 also marks the 25th anniversary since the after-grad party tradition began. Over a hundred dedicated parents donated their time and resources to put on this grand adventure.

One of the four co-coordinators Marie O'Neill said, "The focus was creating a wow atmosphere to completely transform the high school," truly allowing the students a fantastic adventure for one night. The students were completely surprised, as the themes are kept a secret and the decorating done just a few days ahead of time. Channelle Brown, a student, "Was so surprised and really liked the Harry Potter room," which served as the Hogwarts Dining Hall.

Innovative parents included an amazing array of decorative props, such as floating candles above the dining tables and "torch" wall sconces. The assistant superintendents and other faculty members donned costumes ala Harry Potter style along with their given Hogwarthian names.

The parents' imaginative creations continued as students also enjoyed a Pirates Cove game room, Movie Theater room, a Nightclub at the beach including music provided by DJ's, a photography area with costumes, the Adirondack game room and the Rest and Relaxation room decorated as 2010 Leagues under the Sea, where three massage therapists volunteered their time. In between games, students could snack at the Suisse Chalet Café Bar or bounce in directly next door to the inflatable room, taking on the Adrenaline Rush Two and a little tennis-sized dodge ball. Or stroll down the Savannah and Rain Forrest halls to enjoy Guitar Hero in the "Pac Man" room created by Mark Gerber and Fenn Humphrey.

Each year, board members and faculty graciously give their full support to the themed projects. The grad parties are entirely self-funded and reliant on the generosity of the community and BHS fund raisers throughout the year. The students held a pancake breakfast, car wash and pizzeria event to raise money. On the night of the grad party, students earn their "own" money in the form of "Bobcat Bucks" by participating in an array of games held in several game rooms. At the end of the night, students cash in their Bobcat Bucks towards raffle tickets to win prizes.

While students were busy having fun accruing cash, parents were monitoring and meeting the particular necessities of a flawless adventure. Parents dressed in black and white attire; some scheduled for the first 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. watch and others for the 2 to 6 a.m. shift. Every detail had been thought out and implemented. The four head-coordinators Lucy Brown, Mary Kay Duus, Marie O'Neill and Clara Willey, each carried wireless transmitters to communicate with each other throughout the night.

The night before, Brown, who had patiently applied the finishing touches on "The Wall of Memories," remained in the office headquarters delegating as the other volunteers continuously kept up with the demands of the evening. These ladies and so many other devoted fathers and mothers had gone without sleep, having attended the graduation ceremony earlier. The Fire Marshal also missed out on sleep and beforehand had "carefully monitored the transformation as it was going up," said Willey.

All transformational themes have a beginning and for the BHS committee members, "over a dozen committees were started in September," said Duus, each addressing the specific themed rooms. Other committees were formed for making food and asking local businesses for donations. Though, "This year's economy did not lend itself towards donations, but businesses came through at the end" to donate gifts and prizes, Kathy Murray said. Prizes included four large flat-screen televisions, three dorm refrigerators, three microwaves and much more. Plus 198 individual gift bags made for every student attending.

At the end of the night, more parents arrived to tear down and clean up all the areas, aided with help from members of the Lions Club. The entire event was an impressive undertaking, as Brookfield residents and business owners shared in community spirit. Perhaps best summed up earlier by Principal Dr. Bryan Luizzi at the graduation, "To the class of 2010, pursue your passions to necessitate a prosperous green and peaceful world."