Photo courtesy Rotary Club of Pismo Beach Five Cities.
Local Rotary Club steps up to restore a cherished tradition — a full-day celebration for graduating eighth graders — after school budget cuts ended the program
PISMO BEACH — The Rotary Club of Pismo Beach Five Cities has donated more than $13,000 to Judkins Middle School to give its graduating eighth graders the celebration they deserve. On Monday, May 26th, the Class of 2026 will enjoy an exclusive, full-day outing at Boomers— courtesy of the club’s year-long fundraising efforts and the community’s generous support.
The gift comes after budget constraints forced the cancellation of what had long been a beloved end-of-year tradition: a class trip to Magic Mountain. With that milestone gone, eighth graders faced graduating without any special send-off. The Rotary Club decided to change that.
“Every kid deserves to be celebrated as they make this big leap to high school,” said Jenny Dierck, a parent and club member involved in organizing the event. “We’ve been working hard all year to make this happen, and we couldn’t be more excited to give these students a day they’ll always remember.”
A Day Built for Celebration
The Rotary Club has booked Boomers exclusively for Judkins students — meaning no crowds, no lines, just a full day of fun. Students will have unlimited access to:
- Arcade
- Bumper boats
- Go-karts
- Mini-golf
- Raceway
- Batting cages
- Spin zone
Students will also be treated to a meal of pizza or chicken fingers. Charter buses, provided by the Rotary Club, will transport students to and from school — extending the celebration beyond the normal school day.
Families are asked to contribute just $20 to cover the cost of a permission slip, available at the school’s front office. Any family facing financial hardship is encouraged to reach out; no student will be left out due to cost.
Eligibility
Students must be in good standing to participate. Those with more than one failing grade, a GPA below 2.0, excessive absences, or significant disciplinary issues may be ineligible unless they demonstrate improvement to school administration by May 21st. Families who have paid but are later found ineligible will receive a full refund.
About the Rotary Club of Pismo Beach Five Cities
The Rotary Club of Pismo Beach Five Cities is a community service organization dedicated to improving lives locally and around the world. Through fundraising, volunteer service, and civic engagement, the club works to make the Central Coast a stronger, more connected community.
For more information about the event or the club’s service programs, contact Joel Conn at 805-903-3600 or joelconn@gmail.com, or Jenny Dierck at 661-324-9322 / 805-709-9322 or jenny@dsjinsurance.com.
