POULSBO — They may be rivals at times, but Kingston and North Kitsap high schools are often partners as well.
Parents and students from both schools are teaming up to ensure seniors have a “safe, drug- and alcohol-free” way to celebrate their graduation. On April 17, parent groups from both high schools will host “United We Dance,” a banquet and dance that will raise money for both schools’ Grad Night celebrations.
“We could, each of us, be doing our own event,” said Patricia Bryan, who heads up the Kingston High parent group. “But we both thought that you’re kind of working at cross purposes when you do that in such a small community. Even though we’re separate schools, we’re still part of the same community.”
The dance will feature a silent auction, heavy appetizers and music from “Never Been to Utah,” a band made up of teachers from Poulsbo Middle School and North Kitsap High. Money raised at the dance and other events helps keep the cost of Grad Night down for students.
Pam Taplin, head of the North Kitsap High Grad Night committee, said the cost of putting on the Grad Nights at both schools is about $180 per student. Both parent groups are charging students a maximum of $150 to attend, and many students paid even less by registering early.
“Most of the kids are paying the lowest price we were able to throw it out there for,” Taplin said.
Students at Kingston High can help out at the dance or other fundraisers to get their ticket price knocked down further. The two parent groups are also offering scholarships for seniors who cannot afford to pay part or all of the ticket price.
“Our motto has been, ‘If you wanna go, let us know.’ Don’t let money stop you,” Taplin said.
The number of scholarships available depends on how much money the two parent groups can raise at “United We Dance” and other events.
“It’s kind of first come, first served,” Bryan said of the scholarships.
In addition to “United We Dance,” the two schools will team up to raise money for their Grad Nights at a Cinco de Mayo taco feed next month at Central Market in Poulsbo. Each school has also done individual fundraisers, including selling donuts, washing cars and teaming up with local restaurants that offer to donate proceeds.
Taplin is expecting anywhere from 100 to 130 students to attend the North Kitsap Grad Night. Kingston, a smaller school, will probably have a smaller group.
“I feel like we’ll have a good turnout if we get 100 kids,” Bryan said.
Some of those students have taken advantage of the scholarships available, but Taplin and Bryan believe there are others who may be hesitant to ask for help. Taplin’s daughter, Nikki, is a senior at North and is trying to convince her classmates to not let money stand in their way.
“I keep telling them that (the parent group) will help, but they’re waiting until the last minute,” she said. “I keep saying there’s scholarships, but sometimes people don’t want those.”
Taplin and Bryan would like to see as many seniors as possible attend the Grad Night celebrations. They say the chaperoned events are a safe alternative to students partying on their own. Both Grad Nights will involve a dance, and North’s includes a cruise. Beyond that, Taplin and Bryan are tight-lipped regarding the details of the events. But the goal is to give the students a night to remember.
“You get one last hurrah with your friends,” Nikki Taplin said. “It’s kind of cool to be able to go with all of your friends and say all of your goodbyes.”
Care to dance?
“United We Dance” will be from 7-11 p.m. April 17 at the Poulsbo Eagles Hall, 4230 NE Lincoln Road. Tickets are $20 each and are available at Liberty Bay Books or Windermere Real Estate in Poulsbo, at Kingston Fitness or at the door. For questions, email Valerie Gillas at valerie.gillas@gmail.com.
