The Class Act Story

2010 Executive Board

Mrs. Judi Waters                                 Mrs. Brenda Egan

Mrs. Deborah Beard                          Mr. Trey White

Mrs. Mary Walterscheid                    Mrs. Karen Nelson

Mrs. Ruthi Corazzi                              Mr. Bill Nelson

Mrs. Amy Power                                  Mr. Matt Byers

Mrs. Suzanne Carlsen                       Mrs. Susan Forrest Ms. Jill Holt                                            Mr. Charlie Stevens

 

Party Night Photos 4

Class Act of Carlsbad, the 1989 recipient of Carlsbad Foundation's "Community Service Organization Award", is a non-profit organization created  in 1989 for the sole purpose of saving lives on graduation night, a traditionally dangerous night in Carlsbad, New Mexico.  Unofficial records indicate 9 teenage deaths on graduation night since 1962.  In April and May, 1989 alone, Carlsbad lost five seniors in alcohol-related accidents.

             As May, 1989 drew near, it became apparent that an all-out effort had to be made to get the youth off the streets on that dreaded night, and hopefully pass the critical hours without losing another young life.  Twenty parents, businessmen, and other concerned citizens sat on this first Class Act Board.  In 1995, the General Board grew to 60; and, as the 21^ST annual Class Act kicks off this year, 75-80 individuals will work toward another fun-filled, yet safe, celebration.  Every year members of the Class Act Board work on committees as well as recruit 20-30 others in the community to serve in areas of decorations, game room, public relations, refreshments, musical entertainment, athletic activities, security, etc.  In addition, every Board member attends a weekly meeting and is an active member of the fund raising committee.  This is, undoubtedly, one of the most dedicated committees in Carlsbad today!

             Each year the budget goal is set after considering what it will take to cover the cost of food, decorations, prizes, and entertainment, publicity, and office expenses.  Class Act set its first budget goal in 1989 considering primarily what it would take to motivate the more adventuresome youth to attend this party rather than their own levee and desert parties.  Major areas of financial and material incentives still include sizeable cash prizes, gifts (items most sought after by today's teens), exciting music to their liking, and favorable odds that a prize might be won. In 2004, inflatable games were added to the already exciting events offered to further "entice" the seniors to attend.   In 2008 with a $52,000 budget, 250 seniors went home with cash or gift worth $100 or more. In addition, many of them also took home Bingo and dance prizes.

             Because the 1989 attendance far exceeded the expectations of the Class Act Board (90% of the seniors plus one guest each) the goal was raised in 1990 to enable more of the seniors to receive door prizes, and adequately support the costs of such a huge affair.  In 1990 & 1991, again 90% of the area seniors were in attendance. From 1992-2005 between 85% & 97% showed up making the total attendance with their guests at over 600.  In 2009, 315 CHS & area seniors attended.  The total number of seniors and guests in attendance was 553. But, most significant, as the Carlsbad Police Department will attest, there have been no teen deaths on Graduation night since the beginning of Class Act, neither have there been any levee or desert parties reported on any of the 20 graduation nights

             Class Act has become a community project with 2009 monetary and gift donations coming in from 607 businesses and individuals.  The number of volunteers participating was well over 75, including several members of local law enforcement agencies.  Because Class Act is a community project receiving funds from a wide spectrum of the community, it was decided in 1997 to include all Carlsbad seniors--not just those enrolled in the public schools of Carlsbad, but also those enrolled in private schools and registered as home-schooled students.  In addition, mid-term graduates were also included.  In  2010,  Carlsbad Seniors number 344,  so with their guests there may possibly be a total of 600 participating.

             As in all small towns, local businesses traditionally bear the weight of all community projects needing funding, and Carlsbad is no exception. Class Act will continue to serve our children and community as long as funds are available to make the event inviting to the guests of honor, thus insuring their attendance and safety.

 Check us out online:  www.classactofcarlsbad.com