Submitted photo Elkins Kiwanis Club member Rachel Varner accepts a $100 check from Donna Trulik, co-president of the United Women in Faith to support the upcoming Elkins High School after-graduation party in May.

ELKINS — Rachel Varner, a member of the Kiwanis Club of Elkins, attended the February meeting of the United Women in Faith of the First United Methodist Church, giving the group information on the preparations for the 2026 after-graduation party for Elkins High School.

The after-graduation party was started by a group of parents and teachers in 1985 after the tragic death of a student after graduation the year before. Over time, parents and teachers, the GFWC Junior Woman Club of Elkins and now the Kiwanis Club of Elkins have sponsored the party. EHS’ graduation will be on May 29; the party will begin after graduation and continue through breakfast the next morning.

The seniors are consulted to ascertain what they would like to have at their party. Last year, they were given a survey asking what type of food they would like, what type of music they would like, what type of games they would like, etc. Kiwanis members also met with the students to get their feedback.

“We got a good response from the kids,” said Varner. “We hope to meet with the faculty and staff at the high school [as well as the students], to give them an opportunity to give us ideas about what they think the kids would want [this year].”

Last year, there was a student contest to design a hoodie that all of those attending the party received. That element of the evening was well received and will be repeated. This year’s winner of the design contest will receive $100, 2nd prize will be $50 and 3rd prize will be $25.

“They were quite excited about that,” commented Varner.

Throughout the evening Kiwanis will operate casino games (roulette, dice games, card games) that will provide winnings that can later be used to purchase items at an auction. Henna tattoos will be offered as well as some jewelry from a local beautician.

There will also be a corn hole tournament, basketball, video games and a photo booth.

This year’s prizes for the evening, which will be given away prior to breakfast, will include various tech/electronic items including two Kindle Scribe, ear buds and a mini fridge as well as practical items that the students can use whether they’re heading off to college or setting up a household.

Anyone wishing to help support the after-graduation party with a cash gift (to purchase prizes, pay for entertainment and games, etc.), a giveaway item, food, or to volunteer the night of the party can contact party chair Mike Judy at 304-621-5403.

In addition to monthly speakers, UWIF is currently preparing for their Spring Country Store. The Country Store will be held on Friday, March 13 and Saturday, March 14, 9 Aa.m. – noon. On Saturday, March 14, the Men of the Church will be holding their annual Pancake Feed from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Funds raised by these events support multiple projects within the community,

All ladies of the community are welcome to join UWIF during its monthly meetings.

The March meeting of the group will be held on Wednesday, March 11, at 11:30 at the church. A representative of the church’s Lunch with Neighbors ministry will be the speaker.