Across the country, High School Booster Clubs, PTAs, and graduating Seniors have embraced Project Graduation, a safe, after graduation celebration. Anyone with a teenager old enough to drive knows the relief felt when our kids make it home safe this time of year. If you're not a parent of a teenager, perhaps you saw this week's Grey's Anatomy when a group of Seniors end up in a fatal car accident on graduation day. Some chilling statistics:
Alcohol kills more young people than all illicit drugs combined.
A national survey conducted in 2006 showed that 73% of high school seniors have tried alcohol.
Over 2,000 youth ages 15-20 were killed in traffic crashes involving alcohol in 2005.
Started in 1979 in the Oxford Hills area Maine after they experienced a tragic seven alcohol and drug-related teen deaths during commencement season, Project Graduation has spread to all 50 states, providing a safe and fun filled post-graduation night. Creative booster club parents and student committee members plan engaging activities that last all night in a lock-in drug and alcohol free environment.
Music, games, food, communal art projects and more. Some schools partner Project Graduation with a community outreach activity like a food drive. The only thing limiting the fun and power of this event is your committee's collective imagination. In many communities, local retailers sponsor events and provide food, prizes and take-away gifts for Seniors. Below are some time-tested Project Graduation favorites. Please be sure to check the Comments section of this post and add your school's memorable Project Graduation traditions.
- DJ, live bands, and entertainment such as comedians and performance artists
- Rent Photo Booths, Sumo Suits, Human Gyroscope, and other fun activities
- Garage Band & Guitar Hero competition
- Set a fun theme like Oscars or Luau
- Karaoke with prizes
- Bonfire (safety first, of course)
If you're on the Project Graduation committee, check out VolunteerSpot's free and easy online volunteer sign up tool. With our free volunteer scheduling software, parents pick a volunteer spot with a few clicks and choose how they want to help: as chaperons, setting up and cleaning up, entertainment, and more. VolunteerSpot also helps assemble donations of needed food and supplies. No more reply-all email or clipboard signup sheets to have a fabulous event - just simple online volunteer coordination powered by VolunteerSpot.
Please share your favorite Project Graduation activities and traditions below by clicking 'Comments'.
