Graduating from high school is an exciting time. At the end of the school year, many grade 12 students across the province will take part in high school graduation parties.

Since the mid-1990s, more and more schools and parents are choosing to stage a "dry" after-grad party. A dry grad is an all-night supervised party for graduating students and their guest. Absolutely no alcohol or other drugs, including tobacco, are allowed. A dry grad party immediately follows the formal convocation, banquet and/or dance, and typically ends at 5am or 6am the following morning. The aim of a dry grad party is to reduce the risk of alcohol-related harm to the graduates, as well as the community, on a night when that risk is unusually high. The planning for dry grad events often starts as early as September, with work continuing throughout the year.

The guidebook Life Starts Now - How to Plan a Dry Grad describes dry grad planning from start to finish. It incorporates ideas and suggestions for success from previous dry grad organizers, and provides information on specific B.C. legislation relevant to dry grad planning. For more information related to a healthy school experience, visit Healthy Schools BC.

Last Reviewed: September 2017