OKEECHOBEE — The 34th Grad Party to celebrate the Class of 2023 was held Friday, May 26 on Brahman Field. This event provides a gift to every deserving senior, ranging from laptops, TVs, dorm essentials, school supplies, gift cards and the ever-popular gift-cash! These gifts were provided by generous donations to the Grad Party Committee from members of our community.

Prior to the giveaway, the students were treated to a delicious hamburger/hotdog meal prepared by super grill masters, Sheriff Noel Stephen, Mayor Dowling Watford, Rev. Don Hanna, and Kiwanis’s member Jim Bush. Activities included the Extreme Game Truck and laser tag, corn hole, and chalupa.

The Grad Party committee working in conjunction with Our Village Okeechobee organized the event and due to our giving community, was able to provide over $26,000 in giveaways. Those committee members included Magi Cable, Diane Hagan, Leah Suarez, Jess Olney, Kyrstin Hargraves, Kitana Bell, Don Hanna, Dowling Watford, Amanda Riedel, Heidi Dove, Kim Hargraves, Tobi Cross, and Toni Wiersma.

Donors who supported this event were as follows: Children’s Services Council, Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Department, Gary Moorman, Kiwanis Club of Okeechobee, Mary Beth Cooper, Williamson Cattle Company, Okeechobee Veterinary Hospital, Eli’s Western Wear, Tobacco Free Partnership of Okeechobee, Jill & Will Holcomb, SAKE, LLC, Larson Dairy, Okeechobee County Educators Association, Brennan Eye Care, South State Bank, Bill & Merle Hendry, Lonnie & Gary Kirsch, Kay McCool, Los Cocos, Phoebe & Earl Raulerson, Fee Yates & Fee, Jo Norris, J.M. Larson, Stephanie & Jay Walpole, Buxton and Bass, Sandra Word, Susan Williams, Joyce Clericuzio, Okeechobee Retired Educators Association, Linda Syfrett, Gay Carlton and Theta Omicron Sorority.

It is hoped that the students all had a good time and realize how much members of this community supports our students.