BRISTOL, Conn. -- The Bristol Eastern High School class of 2008’s last all-nighter involved tub racing, line dancing and rock climbing.

Tuesday night’s event was put on by parents who said they kept the theme a surprise until the cafeteria doors opened.

This is the third time tri-chairs and parents Tom and Doreen Fasolo volunteered. They said they do it because their family friend, David Nocera, was killed in a car crash last year when the car he was in went into a house. They said he should have graduated this year.

“His death really impacted our family very much, and again, we really just wanted to provide a fun-filled, safe night,” said Doreen.

“No one really wants us out drinking and doing bad stuff,” said student Korie Beaulieu.

Asked if that’s what she would be doing if she wasn’t at the parent-sponsored event, Beaulieu said, “No, I wouldn't be, but there would always be that opportunity, and by having a party like this, it takes away that opportunity.”

“I came here for four years and ate lunch every day and walked in here and was in awe, was just totally speechless,” said student Erica Schwab.

Parent Jim Rivera, a mechanical engineer, said he designed a miniature model set first, then spent nine months bringing it to life.

Parents said all of the students received tie-dyed T-shirts in memory of David.