Families look for alternatives after Regina graduation banquets cut by public high schools

Some public high schoolers in Regina may be all dressed up with nowhere to go.

Grade 12 Campbell Collegiate student Eva Grabarczyk explained how she’s a little frustrated after learning every public high school in the city would be scrapping graduation banquets. It’s because she already bought the dress she was going to wear. She’s not alone either.

“Hopefully they can figure something out because I know even a few of my friends already have their dresses and it would be really disappointing if we couldn’t wear them to some sort of event,” she explained.

The banquet was something she’s looked forward to since grade nine.

“You have your whole support system around you as you graduate and move on to this next step in your life. You’re all coming together for the last hoorah before you all potentially move across the country.”

Her mother Carla believes that the decision was made without having a real concrete plan of replacing the event in mind.

“It’s pretty short-sighted to do it now, I think.”

Jennifer Grymaloski has two kids in high school and shares the frustration as a parent, hoping high schools reconsider their choice.

“I’m just really disappointed. I hope they change their mind.”

Regina Public Schools indicated that one of the reasons for the decision to eliminate banquets was that it was too costly for some families. However, some alternative student-oriented event is being discussed, like a reception or a prom.

For Eva, the money concern shouldn’t be a concern at all.

“We should just find ways to fix these problems. If money is really an issue, I’m pretty sure our grade 12 class would have no problem fundraising money.”