Project Graduation

What Is It and Why Do We Do It?

GRADUATION!  As a rite of passage, graduation night is unequaled in the eyes of youth.  It is a night to be proud, to celebrate past achievements, and to look forward to the future.  But some teens mistakenly think that the best way to celebrate on graduation night is to drink alcohol.  In the past, graduation night parties involving drugs & alcohol have left some graduating seniors with hangovers, embarrassing memories, and in trouble with their parents, friends and/or the police.  Some others were not so lucky.  The original Project Graduation event grew out of a wave of tragedies that occurred in 1987 & 1988, in Maine.  In a span of two years, a total of 18 students were killed in drug and alcohol related accidents on graduation night. Graduation night and prom night are statistically the two most deadly nights for high school teenagers, as a result the State of Maine has led the Project Graduation mania across the nation.

Parkway Central’s Project Graduation traditionally has been an all night, drug and alcohol free celebration for all graduating high school seniors.  The party is a lock-in (usually held at a hotel or recreation center) that begins after the graduation ceremony and continues into the following morning.  It is a night filled with many planned activities, entertainment, games, prizes, raffles and plenty of food.   

Project Graduation is NOT a school sponsored event, however the staff and administration encourage and support the party.  Planning and fundraising for the Project Graduation party begins during the class’s freshman year.  The success of this event is the result of many volunteers all working toward a common goal. Project Graduation also depends on funds raised by the generous donations from local businesses and the community’s support of our many fundraising events.  Many fundraisers and donations will be necessary since the approximate budget for the party is usually between $30,000 and $40,000.

Project Graduation is a HUGE endeavor, and it takes many people to make it work!  The Project Graduation Committee needs parent and student volunteers from all classes to help with fundraisers, planning the party, working at and chaperoning the party.  Fundraising begins during freshman year and continues through senior year.  Planning for the party begins during junior year and continues through senior year.

We need your TIME, TALENT & RESOURCES right now to make this party a success.  You can find information about your student’s Project Graduation by clicking on the Link for that class. 

HELP US KEEP OUR KIDS & COMMUNITY SAFE

PLEASE SUPPORT PARKWAY CENTRAL’S PROJECT GRADUATION