Fitch Parents Will Suprise Students With Graduation Party Location

After months of cloistered meetings and heavy speculation, the parents responsible for organizing the Class of 2011 graduation party at Robert E. Fitch Senior High School are moments from unveiling their top-secret plans.

“I’ve had people talk to me about something totally different,” recounted Heidi Hallissey, committee chair of the graduation party, “and then, out of the blue, turn around and say, ‘So, where is the party?’”

Hallissey, along with co-chair Lisa Teixeira, have been organizing efforts since December. “We tried to have meeting twice a month,” said Hallissey.

The graduation party aims to promote safe, alcohol and drug-free alternatives and boasts an impressive raffle pool of donations acquired from businesses throughout the region. 

 “We’re aiming to have at least one child get one raffle throughout the night,” said Hallisey. Raffle prizes include gift cards, DVDs, and the opportunity to win a 22’’ flat screen television. 

Funds towards the party reflect the work of an intense nine months. Donations were collected from local police, the Groton Inn, Stop and Shop, and Cardinal Honda, to name a few. 

“We had sold blankets to raise money. We had donation jars all throughout town,” said Hallisey.

The committee’s largest endeavor, a golf tournament host by Shennecossett Golf Course, raised nearly $8,000. 

“I could not have done this without the parents who volunteered to do this with me,” said Hallisey. “They were wonderful.” 

Funds raised offset costs associated with renting the venue space, entertainment, food, insurance, and dues to the state. Additional money was acquired through the sale of tickets—priced at $50 and $75 with scholarship assistance—117 students have registered to attend. 

 “Basically, what they need is a change of comfortable clothing and nothing else,” Hallisey advised. “Food is provided for them, entertainment is provided for them all night. If they need to chill out and relax, they have a room with movies going and rubber floats—bedding’s donated to us where all they need to do is lay down and chill out. They are going to be busy from the time we get there to the time we get back on that bus in the morning.” 

The students will be transported to a yet disclosed location following the graduation ceremony. Buses to the party are scheduled to depart at 9:15 p.m. 

“It’s an evening where the kids can finally have their last hurrah of high school to enjoy that friendship [and] camaraderie,” Hallisey said. “The kids have been doing things together all week this week. The other night they spent the night outside the cafeteria at the high school. This is the time to get together. This is the time to say good-bye to your high school years—to public education really.” 

“It’ll be an evening of total fun, total constant moving. We are indoor outdoor basically. It’s their choice with all the activities they can do,” said Hallisey. “Rain or shine, we will have fun!”