Holy Heart wants to make grad affordable for every student

The cost that comes along with your average high school graduation is pretty high, but one St. John's school is hoping to make it more affordable to every student.

The school usually hosts an annual prom dress drive for students who can't afford a new one, but have taken fundraising efforts one step further this year.

​Instead of hosting graduation at the St. John's Convention Centre, which would cost $100 per ticket, Holy Heart High is moving everything back to the school.

Principal Sheldon Barry says the change in venue for festivities changed the school's philosophy on prom.

• Annual prom dress drive hosted by Holy Heart students

"Once we started to look at that [moving prom back to the school], we started to change our thinking around trying to make it an inclusion project where students could attend for free," said Barry.

"We have a number of students that traditionally in the past have not been able to go because of finances or different scenarios, so our goal is to have a prom at Holy Heart, back in the school and have it free for all students who wish to attend."

What to wear to the prom won't be a big deal, either.

According to Patrick Hickey, an executive on the student council, people will be able to wear what they're comfortable with.

"It can be nice to get all dressed up for your graduation, but I think the new fashion in which we're going to have our prom, it lets you do what you want with it. You can still get dressed up, but if you'd prefer to be a bit more easy going with it you still can be," said Hickey.

"I'm very excited to have grad here at the school, and of course everyone will be included. Financing won't be an issue and I think that's really good."

The school needs to raise $40,000 to pay for the graduation event, and have started a ticket lottery as a fundraiser.