Tracey Kovalench
Northern News Services

NNSL (May 13/98) - Sir John Franklin high school will be illuminated by graduation energies this weekend. Saturday sees the graduating class of 1998 celebrating all night long at the Dry Grad 1998: "A Night to Remember."

Veteran dry grad organizers Pam Schlosser, Lorne Schollar and Ruth Cameron are once again in action, alongside students preparing for what many see as the largest social event on the school calander.

Sir John was the first Northern school to sponsor an alcohol-free graduation celebration in 1994. Since then, other schools across the territories have followed suit. The event has been fully embraced by the city and has become just as much a tradition as the cap and gown ceremony.

"It is a venue for parents and community members to actively celebrate this milestone in their children's lives," says Schlosser. Parents, teachers and friends will be donating time and energy to help make the evening a success for the 100-plus grads and their guests.

The city and the Yk Curling Club will once again be donating land and facilities. Local businesses and community groups have also provided a tremendous amount of support donating numerous prizes and monetary sponsorship.

This year's lengthy roster of prizes includes a trip for two to Edmonton (courtesy of NWT Air), a mountain bike (donated by the RCMP) and 500 pounds of free shipping to Edmonton (Northwest Shipping).

Dry Grad festivities commence at 10:30 p.m. Saturday night, running straight through to 6:30 a.m. Sunday morning. Food will help to fuel the students as they participate in various activities such as relays, hot tubbing, casino and mud wrestling.

A prize auction followed by a hearty breakfast wrap up the weekend events.