Fireman Nick Giolito takes one of the first batches of cotton candy down with a passion before the graduates showed up for a fun nigh at Grad Night last Thursday. Photo by Stephanie Frehner.
Mesquite’s finest were in great spirits as they BBQ’d ribs, burgers and more at the Grad Night festivities. Photo by Stephanie Frehner.
Grad night introduced some new skills for the fire department personnel to overcome, including an ice cream machine and this cotton candy maker. Photo by Stephanie Frehner.
These four graduates had a blast last Thursday night, enjoying one last night together at the Rec Center. Submitted photo.
Grad Night marks the beginning of the 100 deadliest days of summer for teens. As part of the Mesquite Police Departments commitment to the safety of the youth of this community, MPD has hosted Grad Night for ten consecutive years. The purpose of Grad Night is to provide a safe place for students to celebrate their graduation from high school.
The graduating students were “Locked in” the Rec Center from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. The graduates enjoyed great food, drinks, and treats, which was donated by local businesses. The graduates also enjoyed various activities, which included: sumo wrestling, swimming, glow in the dark volleyball, movies, card games, and had their portraits drawn by a caricature artist. Chief Tanner, MPD Officers, and VVHS school staff faced off against the graduates in the 10th annual “Grad Night” graduates vs. officers basketball game.
As always Grad Night ended with the highly anticipated raffle prize drawing. Many lucky graduates won prizes such as: tablets, laptops, televisions, cameras, R.C. helicopters, stereos, and a BBQ grill. Prizes were either donated directly or were purchased with monetary donations. Local businesses generously donated enough gift cards, local services, and coupons to allow every senior that attended to receive a nice prize.
MPD appreciates the support of local businesses and private individuals who generously donated to ensure the event was a success. Chief Tanner stated “Our goal was met; our graduating youth were provided a safe place to celebrate their accomplishments. Without the help of generous citizens and local businesses this event would not take place.”
MPD would like to publicly thank the following individuals, organizations, and business for their support of Grad Night 2014 (in no particular order):
Mesquite Leisure Services Mesquite Fire & Rescue, City of Mesquite I.T. Dept., Big O Tires, Brian & Joy Haviland, Popeye’s, Del Taco, Beall’s Dept. Store, Evolve Pest Control, Falcon Ridge Dental, Barb & Scott Ellestad, Advanced Construction, Bella’s Pizza, Car Quest, Do It Best, Coyote Carpet & Tile, Dan Wright, David & Deborah Ballweg, Domino’s, Eureka Casino, Jadde Sports, JSL Iceberg Refrigeration, Karen Fielding, Karyn Patas, Ken Garff St. George Ford, Laurie & Roger Krug, Mesa View Hospital, Mesquite Gaming, Pizza Hut, Playoffs, Red Hills Cinema, Sharon Giffin-Solomon, Subway, Taco Bell, Virgin Valley Disposal, Wal-Mart, Walter Soper, Smith’s Food & Drug, Nevada Community Partnership Coalition, Dirk Marshall, Los Lupes, Canton Chinese Cuisine, Auto Zone, Ace Hardware and Mesquite Dental.
