Published December 11, 2017 edition.
WAKEFIELD — Senior Week will have a new look in 2018.
Those graduating from Wakefield Memorial High the first Saturday in June will have their senior prom at the John Joseph Moakley federal courthouse on Fan Pier in Boston Wednesday, May 30. The first floor of the building will be transformed into a hall, complete with room for a DJ, plenty of dancing and a sit down meal.
Afterwards, prom-goers will be driven back to Wakefield Memorial High, where they will change out of their formal wear, get into something much more casual, and be driven to a safe after-prom celebration at Dave and Buster’s on Mishawum Road in Woburn, where the festivities will last until 5 a.m. The kids will then be bused back to the high school.
There are plenty of activities planned at Dave and Buster’s. The all-night party, according to Wakefield Memorial High Principal Rich Metropolis, has been completely “parent-driven.”
And the reason is a sound one. Parents want to keep their children safe on prom night. The goal is to provide a safe, substance-free celebration directly following the prom.
Senior Night is a supervised, all-night event that provides graduates an opportunity to celebrate one final time in a safe and sober environment.
Over 20 high schools in the state, including Acton-Boxborough, Milford, and Natick that provide a safe post-prom event have virtually eliminated alcohol and drug-related injuries following the prom.
The statistics are alarming – more teenagers die of alcohol-related incidents during the three months surrounding graduation than at any other time of year.
There will still be the annual Grand March on the Veterans Memorial Common sponsored by The Savings Bank before seniors head to their prom in Boston.
Following are some answers to frequently asked questions since organizers began talking about the first school and town-run, after-prom party:
• Can students who do not go to the Prom attend the after Prom party?
Yes, any student who does not attend the prom is able to go to the after party. They would need to arrive at the High School that evening at 11:30pm to check in.
• Can my child leave after Prom venue at any time?
Yes, any student can leave the party at any time but must be picked up and signed out by a parent or guardian.
• What if my student does not want to attend the after party?
The after party is optional, and any student who does not want to attend, must be picked up and signed out at the High School after the prom by a parent or guardian.
• Will there be chaperones all evening?
Yes, there will be employees of the after prom venue, Wakefield parents and a police detail the entire evening.
• Will students have to take a breathalyzer test?
Yes, there will be a few times throughout the evening where every student will be tested by police officers.
• Where will students change after the prom?
After the prom, students will be transported to the High School where they will be able to change and leave their items. When the after party is over, kids will be bused back to the High School to pick up their belongings and go home.
• Will students be able to drive to and from the prom and/or the after party location themselves?
No, transportation will be provided to and from both events.
• Will underclassmen be allowed to attend the after party?
No, this is only a senior event and no underclassmen will be able to attend.
• Will seniors from schools out of town be allowed to attend?
Yes, but will have to sign a dance contract through the High School.
• Is there a cost for students to attend?
No, there is no charge for seniors; however we do heavily rely on donations to cover the cost of the event.
Following is a letter from the committee overseeing Senior Night:
“We are writing to request your assistance in creating Wakefield Memorial High School Senior Night, a safe, substance-free celebration directly following Senior Prom. Our goal is to provide a supervised, all-night event that provides our grads an opportunity to celebrate one final time in a safe and sober environment. Communities such as Acton-Boxborough, Milford, and Natick that provide a Safe Post-Prom event have virtually eliminated alcohol and drug-related injuries following the prom. Unfortunately, Wakefield has experienced post-prom tragedy first hand.
“We need your help to shift the culture and ensure that this night is exciting and special for our youth. After prom, graduates will be bussed to Dave and Busters in Woburn for an exciting all-night celebration that our graduates will remember for the rest of their lives!
“Your support and generosity will help ensure the success of our first annual WMHS Senior Night for the nearly 250 graduating seniors. Your contribution will go towards food, entertainment, art experiences, and cash and prizes. The cost is approximately ($100 per student) but it will be free of charge to the class of 2018.
“Your business can get great exposure, and know that 100% of your support goes directly towards helping keep WMHS graduates safe on Prom Night. Sponsorship Levels can be found on the attached form which also includes donation submission details. We are accepting prizes including items such as dorm fridges, sports tickets, gift cards, etc., sponsorship levels will be honored for the value of the gift/service donation. All donors will be mailed a receipt.
“While we are working quickly to become a 501(c)3 organization, current donations may not qualify for tax deductions. However, if a tax-deductible donation suits your needs, donations may be made out to ‘Wakefield Public Schools/Senior Night’.
“For more information, please visit www.wakefieldseniornight.com.”
Following is a tentative schedule for the next Senior Week at Wakefield Memorial High:
• Tuesday night: Red Sox game, tickets on sale in February, includes a commemorative Red Sox shirt
• Wednesday night: Prom and Senior Night
• Thursday afternoon: BBQ and movie night — graduation gowns and yearbooks distributed
• Friday: Class breakfast and graduation rehearsal
• Saturday: Graduation
Schedule is tentative, and activities may change or be added.
