Melrose Grad Night 2019 A Special Evening

The following was submitted by the Melrose Grad Night Committee:

On behalf of the Melrose Grad Night Committee, I’d like to thank all who played a role in making Grad Night 2019 an evening of special memories for the MHS Class of 2019. We are so pleased that 220 new grads chose to spend their milestone night (and morning) celebrating safely together, with entertainment, games, food, music and prizes. They went on a Jungle Safari, complete with a Wild Boar ride, ferocious (baby) animals, African Drumming, and vibrant décor.

As always, the support from the City departments has been wonderful. And while I’m hesitant to name people, for fear of leaving someone out (please know that I’m grateful for everyone who’s been involved!!), we’d like to thank Mayor Gail Infurna and her staff, particularly Jackie Lavender Bird; MPS Superintendent Cyndy Taymore; MHS Principal Jason Merrill, Assistant Principals Cari Berman and Bryan Corrigan; MVMMS Interim Principal Jaime Parsons and Secretary Beth Copp; Senior Class Advisors Anthony DeBenedetto and Brittany Martin; Special Advisor Steve Turner; Steve Fogarty; Safety Coordinator Bob Savarino for handling the breathalyzing for us; Police Chief Mike Lyle and the friendly and helpful detail officers, Dan Riordan and Ron Alley, Jr.; and very special thanks to two women: Diane Carpenter (Administrative Assistant to Principal Merrill) for her helpfulness, support and “can-do” attitude; and Anne Waitt of DPW, who, met every request and solved every problem with a smile, leading up to and on the night of the event. And, a very special shout out to the DPW custodians who assisted in so many ways, from when we arrived at the school to set-up at 9am on Friday morning, until clean-up ended at 9am on Saturday morning. They were kind, reliable, patient and friendly. It was so good to know they had our backs.

The goal of Melrose Grad Night is to provide our grads with a safe, substance free and super fun celebration, so that they each go home safely on Saturday morning, knowing that their community has sent them off to their future with love and pride. We are very grateful to all of our donors who helped accomplish that goal: parents and community members; local politicians; civic organizations; local small businesses, and some larger regional businesses, as well. Grad Night can’t happen without your support, both financial and in-kind, and we are so grateful.

Thank you to the over 100 Melrosians who volunteered at the event. We had MHS parents, alumni, parents of middle and elementary school kids, Aldermen, School Committee members, and parents of students who attended Grad Night in the past. Some set up, some provided security at doors, some scooped ice cream and bussed tables, some called Bingo and stuffed money in the Cash Cube, and some came in at 4am and cleaned it all up. This event can only happen with their good humor and willingness to do whatever we ask. Their help is much appreciated!

Finally, I’d like to thank our committee. They are smart, talented, dedicated, hard-working, detail oriented and truly giving people. They have given many, many hours to the planning, preparation and execution of this event. Believe it or not, they are already thinking about Grad Night 2020! I am so grateful for all of the committee members who have contributed to the success of this event since 2013. You all know who you are and I hope you feel proud of what you have helped to build!

Best of luck to the Class of 2019! It was our pleasure to celebrate your Melrose school achievements and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for you!

Michelle Carson, Chair, Melrose Grad Night Committee