Don’t miss annual Sober Graduation
The whole idea behind the Sober Graduation event is to ensure the safety of the graduates on their big night when some might be tempted to use drugs and/or alcohol to celebrate their right of passage.
“We’re really excited, and we’re really looking forward to a safe graduation for all our seniors,” said Patty Gunderson, Lassen County’s superintendent of schools.
“We’re the only free sober graduation in the state, and that wouldn’t be possible without the support of our community partners.”
Gunderson reminded seniors to visit Lassen County Office of Education’s website (lcoe.org) to obtain tickets for themselves and their guests. Parents also need to sign a Sober Grad medical consent form, also available at the website.
Students and their guests will check in between 9:30 and 11 p.m. and enjoy a variety of activities including the Elks Taco Bar, a free movie at Sierra Theatre and breakfast prepared by the Susanville Rotary Club. Thanks to support from local businesses, organizations and individual, every senior will receive a gift.
But the most exciting part of the event comes about 6 a.m. when three names are drawn and the lucky participants have an opportunity to win the Sober Grad car, donated by Jason Rieger, owner of Wheels West. Rieger, a Lassen High School graduate, has donated a car to be won by a lucky graduate at the event every year for the past six years — an annual act of generosity in which he takes great pride. Rieger said the donation not only gives him an opportunity to give back to the community that has supported him and his business over the years, but it also gives him an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the winners and all the other graduates as well.
According to Wheels West Facebook page, “We wish and hope all our 2017 graduates have an amazing, safe and sober milestone in their life — the step into adulthood.”
This year’s car is an extra clean 2006 Nissan Sentra Special Edition powered by a fuel-efficient, 1.8L 4-cylinder engine with a moon roof.
“Don’t miss out,” Wheels West posted on its Facebook page. “Go to Sober Grad for your chance to win. All seniors are invited.”
