Grad Nite Holds Father/Daughter Dance

by Kimberly Mardis -- Little girls owned the dance floor last Friday night at the incredibly popular Father/Daughter Dance hosted by the Grad Nite committee as one of their many fundraising events. Held at the Pennington Life Center, the dance drew a crowd of 450 and netted $3,700 that will be used to provide the traditional safe and sober graduation celebration for the Churchill County High School Class of 2019.  Grad Nite is held at Naval Air Station Fallon every year where graduating seniors check in to a night-long party, with games, entertainment, and have the opportunity to win generous prizes. The Grad Nite committee works diligently all year to raise money for the celebration, by hosting what have come to be many of the favorite Fallon events throughout the year.  With a golf tournament, mother/son dance, 5K runs, a Battle of the Bench weightlifting contest, and the ever-popular donkey basketball, the committee works relentlessly to make sure graduating seniors are safe the night of their graduation. Darby Rowe, a member of the Grad Night Committee, said in order to be able to have such a fun event for each senior class it takes a lot of work to raise the money each year. People have come up with many different ideas over the years. “The father/daughter dance was a way for fathers and daughters to spend time together and have fun,” said Rowe. “It’s something special, and has just continued to grow and improve since it started. Each thing we do helps a little bit more to add to the total of what we have to get to be able to put on another event out at the base.” Alicia Turnham, another member of Grad Nite Committee, says this is one of the best fundraisers they have. “There is a lot of community involvement, it’s fun, and to see these little girls dressed up is breathtaking,” she said. Alicia mentioned there has been some talk about a family dance night. “We also have the mother/son dance, but the father/daughter seems to be a little more sacred,” she said. “The mothers put in so much work getting the girls dressed up, getting them here, making them feel special.” Throughout the year, high school students volunteer their time to help at the events. Adriana Cortez (Freshman) and Nick Delgado (Senior), volunteered to work the ticket table at the dance.   “It’s fun to see all the fathers and daughters coming in, looking so cute,” said Cortez, “It’s just so much fun.” “I love the music, and the dancing is super fun,” said Delgado. Music for the dance was provided by popular local DJ, Todd Moretto, who made sure to get the crowd dancing. Ever the entertainer, Moretto provided announcements and presented prizes through the evening, helping to create an enjoyable atmosphere. The next Grad Nite event will be held March 23rd and will be a Superhero 5K. For more information check the community calendar Click Here.