By Diana L. Martinez
Senior Program Director
The Family YMCA
Volunteers are needed for the community-sponsored graduation celebration event known as Senior Appreciation Night (SAN), including someone to wear a monkey suit. Numerous parents have volunteered, but 18 volunteers are still needed to fill two or three-hour shifts from 6 p.m. until 2:30 a.m., Saturday May 26.
A henna tattoo artist also is needed.
SAN is an all-night, safe, supervised downtown graduation celebration sponsored by several business and community organization.
The alcohol and drug free event was created in 1984 by parents and community leaders to serve as an alternative to dangerous celebrations.
SAN traditionally draws about 350 students.
The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a barbecue and games at Fuller Lodge for each senior and one guest.
The evening includes large inflatable games, tipsy golf carts, video games, billiards and foosball, racquetball, climbing, Wild West photos, a Games Night, auction, street carnival, circus performers, movies at the Reel Deal and a breakfast at the Betty Ehart Senior Center.
Students must have a key pass to attend the event, which is given out at graduation.
Seniors who go to every event and get a ticket punched are eligible for grand prize giveaways at the morning breakfast.
Students who should be graduating this year but do not walk must call Jeremy Smith at the YMCA for instructions at 662-3100.
SAN is run by volunteers.
Los Alamos County supports the event in the donation of staff and space, and The Family YMCA provides a co-chair and is the fiscal agent for the event.
The public schools, the Youth Activity Center, the Kiwanis, the DWI Planning Council, LAPD and numerous churches, PTOs and businesses lend manpower and/or financial support to SAN.
“Youth are asked for their safety and the safety of all involved to remain sober in order to participate,” said co-chair Jeremy Smith, Y program director. “SAN is meant to give an opportunity to hang out with your class one last time in a safe, fun environment.”
Volunteers are needed to fill the 6-9 p.m., 7-10 p.m. and midnight-2:30 a.m. shifts. Volunteers should call coordinator Diana Martinez for details at 662-3100 or email dmartinez@laymca.org.
