High school graduation ceremonies in Williams Lake may get a boost from the city after all.
While the city turned down a community grant application in the fall to support dry grad and the cap and gown ceremony because the grad committee had a savings account and couldn’t demonstrate need, the city has now reached agreements to cover the costs of a three-day rental of the complex.
“The total cost for both events is about $7,000. The intent is through the Joint-Use agreement to make the cap and gown event free. And the intent is to waive the dry grad fee under the fees and services provision as well,” said Mayor Kerry Cook during the Tuesday regular council meeting.
“We’re saying we value these events because they are important,” Cook added.
The item still needs approval from the CRD, however.
In addition, the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex will also absorb the direct costs of removing arena glass and providing a lift for the cap and gown ceremony.
Dry Grad chair Betty Turatus hadn’t heard the news until contacted by the Tribune but said it’s wonderful.
“That will definitely help us out. With the economy the way it is we’re not getting the donations we had hoped for. It will make life easier for a lot of us and it shows the city’s support for out students.”
