Lemoore High School parents hit the ground running as 30th Sober Grad nears May 31

Invitations are out to senior students from Lemoore High, Jamison High School, Lemoore Middle College High and Kings Christian High School. Tickets are currently on sale through the Lemoore High School bookkeeper, at Lemoore High, 101 E. Bush St.

They’re also intent on raising about $10,000 from individuals, service organizations and businesses in the Lemoore and Kings County area as they prepare for one of the school’s valuable lessons: urging kids to remain sober as they leave high school.

Two of this year’s parent organizers, Heather Olson and Tina Chedester are advising students to get their tickets early – because they can save money. Currently tickets are $25 per person. Purchase them after March 23, and the prices go up to $35. Tickets at the door will cost $40.

Make sure your checks are made payable to Lemoore Sober Grad. For additional information, or to donate, please contact either Olson at 362-5082 or Chedester at 707-1508.

To that goal, this year’s Sober Grad has also opened a GoFundMe account.

GoFundMe Facebook Page

Sober Grad is a parent-run party that takes place immediately after the school’s graduation, which in Lemoore’s case is May 31 in Tiger Stadium. The graduation ceremony begins typically at 8 p.m. The Event Center doors open at 10 p.m.

They can check in from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. and then the doors are locked. Once in, the students have a free range of all the activities and food provided. Once a student leaves, he or she may not return. 

This year’s organizers are urging local businesses and individuals to donate to Sober Grad. Parents and local businesses bear much of the cost of the event. Donations are tax-deductible and processed through the Lemoore High School Foundation.

Types of entertainment include typically a hypnotist, inflatables, DJ, karaoke, videos, blackjack tables, pool tables, and more.

Food includes burgers, taco trucks, pizzas and more. All food is free for the students attending.

The evening typically stops at about 3 p.m. for the hypnotist and then resumes with a raffle and dancing. At about 5 p.m. the school’s principal awards a $2,018 check to the winner of a random raffle.