Here's how you can help Sturgis seniors celebrate graduation safely
STURGIS — Parents of seniors at Sturgis High School are looking to bring back a tradition this year.
It's called a "Grad Bash" and returns after a couple of years hiatus. The event is being set up for one last hurrah for members of the senior class to get together as a large group.
This year's event will take place on the night of graduation, May 23. It is scheduled to run from 9 p.m. to midnight and will be hosted by Grace Church. Kelly Massey is spearheading the coordination of the event with the help of fellow parents of seniors, such as Susanne Frost. Together they are aiming to make this a memorable experience for the graduates.
Neither Sturgis High School or Grace Church are associated with the Grad Bash. Because of the non-affiliation with the school, flyers cannot be posted there. Because of this, the group leading the way is aiming to get the word out on potential donations and sponsors in addition to having a high attendance.
"We certainly don't want anyone to feel intimidated by it being held in a church or anything like that," Frost said. "The church is only the venue host and has nothing to do with it other than providing the space for us."
One of the bigger points for the Grad Bash is to provide those graduates with a safe and substance-free night to celebrate their accomplishments together. This year there will be a DJ, sumo suits (the big, inflated ones where people smash into each other), yard games, card games and even a photo booth.
"This is going to be one of those great last get-togethers for these kids and one of the last times they will all be able to get together," Massey said.
There are five different sponsorship levels — freshman ($100), sophomore ($150), junior ($250) and senior ($500) and an individual student sponsor at $20. Each of the sponsorship levels have escalators built in for what you get. These include company names on the group thank you banner to shot outs on social media and names on the back of T-shirts. If you're interested in being a sponsor, you can contact Massey at (269) 625-8606 or Frost at (269) 503-0148 for more details.
The goal, both Frost and Massey said, is to keep the graduates from having to pay to attend the event. Because the event is not affiliated with the school, they are receiving no funding directly from the school.
There will be chaperones and Sturgis police checking in during the three-hour bash. Graduates will check-in once they arrive at the facility and will not be allowed back if they choose to leave, Massey said.
Everyone is encouraged to attend, she added. Seniors who RSVP by May 9 will receive a swag bag, which includes a T-shirt from Sportsarama. Graduates will still be able to attend if they do not RSVP by May 9 as well. This year's graduating class is more than 250 students, so event organizers are hoping for a nice turnout.
"We want parents and seniors to know this is happening," Frost said.
There will also be a cash grab booth at the event, courtesy of Sturgis Bank & Trust.
The event carries a Hawaiian theme as well. Food is being provided by Hip Padders.
"We're hoping to have a good time," Massey said.
Event organizers believe they are about halfway to their ultimate goal of funding for the event. They are actively looking to continue to gain sponsors are are hoping for the community's support.
Contact Sports Editor Brandon Watson at watson@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as twitter, @BwatsonSJ.
This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: Sturgis Grad Bash looking for sponsors
