There is no doubt that the graduating class of 2023 is special. Unique. Deserving.

Sure, all the graduating classes of Sisters High School could claim those adjectives to some degree, but this year’s senior class really has had an exceptional high school experience. The COVID-19 shutdowns began during their freshman year, and they lost out on the experiences and initiation that comes during that formative time. They had a sophomore year in isolation, and a junior year that included social distance, masks, and modified education.

They have only been able to attend a handful of dances and indoor events, their entire four years.

And now, after their distinctive time at Sisters High School, they are the leaders of the school. Leaders who are getting ready to launch into adulthood but who also have yet to get to have their full right-of-passage. Their maturity comes from experiencing the pandemic with the world, but not from socializing at school. The 2023 graduating class is deserving of a bit of celebration this year.

Their first full year of “regular” high school is also their last year. I am not sure we can cram four years of experiences into nine academic months, but I think we can surely try. With this in mind, the parents of the 2023 graduating class are beginning their work to continue the tradition of celebrating the seniors in a safe and inclusive way.

The longer-term goal is a drug- and alcohol-free graduation party in June 2023, after the graduation ceremony occurs. The parents of the senior class aim to make it a night for them to gather, enjoy each other’s company, and celebrate all they have achieved — to make it special and memorable for all.

To make the senior graduation night party a reality, the parents of the senior class work to organize a fundraiser.

The tradition is to raise funds with an Octoberfest dinner, raffle, and auction.

This year the Octoberfest fundraiser will be held on October 29, starting at 5 p.m., at Sisters High School.

A ticket for the Octoberfest dinner (21 years and older) will include drink and dessert. There will be amazing raffles and auction items, including a week stay in Hawaii, a FivePine package, and weekend stays in Sonoma and Nashville.

There have been generous donations from local businesses and families.

Tickets can be purchased for $40 in-person at Deri’s Salon, at Sisters High School, or online at: https://bit.ly/3EzZXG3.