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The
Class Act Story
Class Act Executive Board
and Board of Directors
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 nine 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 21ST annual Class Act kicks off this
year, over 70 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 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
with primary consideration as to 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 nor desert parties reported on any of the 20
graduation nights
 Class
Act has become a community project with
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 extending the party invitation to
private, home-schooled students, mid-term graduates, and
students enrolled in the public
schools of Carlsbad. 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.
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