All the fun of high school graduation in Clarkston, including the all-night party and senior picnic, has been made possible by the generous donations of those in the community.
In acknowledgment, members of the 2003 Post-Grad Committee at Clarkston High School and graduating seniors, recognized representatives from Palace Sports and Entertainment for their contributions.
Derek Boczkowski, event coordinator for Palace Sports and Entertainment, and Tom McLaughlin, general manager for Centerplate Concessions, formerly Volume Food Services, the sole food distributor for the Palace, DTE Energy Music Theatre and Meadow Brook, were on hand Wednesday, May 21 to accept a certificates of honor during the senior assembly.
Palace Sports and Entertainment has contributed and sponsored post-graduation celebrations in Clarkston for the past five years. They are the original sponsor of the senior picnic, a tradition which began in 1999 when The Palace and DTE Energy Music Theatre provided all the food and entertainment to what was then called the ‘Barbecue Bash.?
In addition to providing the primary support to the senior picnic, they have also donated to the post-grad party where graduates party from 10:30 p.m. until 5 a.m., following commencement ceremonies.
‘Tim Smith from Palace Sports and Entertainment has always been the contact who has never said ‘no.? His support and willingness to help our community provide this celebration is greatly appreciated,? Carol Larson, coordinator for this year’s picnic, said. ‘All of these activities are organized and operated by a group of parent volunteers. Without the generous contributions from parents, community members and local businesses such as Palace Sports and Entertainment, the event would not be possible.?
Principal Jan Meagher said, ‘Clarkston High School is extremely grateful to all of our business partners for their contributions.?
‘With the presence of DTE Energy Music Theatre here, we are happy to contribute and support the community every year,? Boczkowski said.
Seniors will fill the classrooms of Clarkston High School for the last time, Thursday, May 30. At noon the students will take their ‘Senior Walk,? a recent tradition where graduating seniors take their last walk through the halls of CHS in their cap and gown. Afterwards they head to Clintonwood Park to begin the picnic festivities.
‘Having the senior picnic following the walk has given us a great way for Clarkston seniors to remember their last day of school at CHS,? Meagher said. ‘Palace Sports and Entertainment has helped make this event a huge success.?
Commencement ceremonies are Wednesday, June 4 at 6:30 p.m. at DTE Energy Music Theatre.