Project Graduation - "Class of 2008"
Project Graduation is an all-night, alcohol and drug free celebration planned and carried out by parents and community volunteers to help ensure the safety of our graduating high school seniors on graduation night.
SUPPORT PROJECT GRADUATION
Parents, students, businesses, community
......WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Project Graduation celebrations are about keeping our kids and community safe!
Please attend our meetings in the Municipal Complex - Multi-Purpose Room at 7:30 PM - Next Meeting Dates:
- Thursday, February 21st, 2008
- Thursday, March 20th, 2008
- Monday, April 21st, 2008
- Monday, May 19th, 2008
- Monday, June 16th, 2008
For more information, contact: Judy Haas (908) 281-6325 or JJ Doyle (908) 281-7300
Upcoming 2008 Project Graduation Fundraisers
Dodge Ball game on February 23rd
Gala Dinner on March 14th
Pancake Breakfast on April 19th
All donations of money, goods, and services are most welcome and may be sent to Project Graduation, PO Box 5673, Hillsborough, NJ 08844.
FAQ's
What is Project Graduation?
Project Graduation is an all-night, alcohol and drug free celebration planned and carried out by parents and community volunteers to help ensure the safety of our graduating high school seniors on graduation night. The Project Graduation tradition began in 1980 in South Paris, Maine, after alcohol-related crashes claimed the lives of 18 people in two graduation seasons. Since that time the tradition has spread all over the country including Hillsborough. This is our 17th Project Graduation. The key to making Project Graduation successful has been widespread support from the Township's Youth Services Commission, the School District, students, parents, businesses, and the community.
Why is Project Graduation so important?
Graduates often "party hop" in their efforts to celebrate with as many of their classmates as possible. Project Graduation provides a safe and fun-filled alternative to party hopping: it keeps all of the graduates together and off of the roads, prevents any of them from becoming an accident statistic, and allows their parents to rest easy knowing their son/daughter is safely celebrating.
When and Where is it held?
The celebration begins at 8:30pm on the night of graduation, with check-in at the High School. Graduates and chaperones are transported by bus to the celebration destination. Past Project Graduation celebrations have been held at Rutgers University in Piscataway, Health Quest in Flemington, or Dave & Busters in Franklin Mills. Parents are asked to pick their graduates up at approximately 6am at the High School the following morning.
Are all members of the graduating class eligible to attend?
Graduates must qualify to 'walk' in the graduation ceremony in order to attend Project Graduation. Seniors will receive an invitation in the spring semester. Reservations will be collected along with signed permission forms. All of the details of the celebration will be provided to students and parents.
Why do graduates choose to attend Project Graduation?
There are numerous reasons why this celebration is so popular. Project Graduation provides:
- non-stop food
- music and a DJ
- entertainment
- games
- contests
- chair massages
- .......and many other activities.
Of course, every attending graduate has the opportunity to spend Graduation night with all of their classmates in one safe and fun location.
Each attending graduate receives a specially designed Project Graduation tee-shirt and a chance to win many fabulous prizes.
How can I help?
Students, parents, and all community members are invited to attend Project Graduation meetings which are held monthly at the Hillsborough Township Municipal Building, corner of Beekman Lane and So Branch Road, 379 So Branch Rd, 08844. Meeting information is available and can be found in the Hillsborough Beacon, Courier News, and on Patriot Channel 14, the High School web site, and the Township web site.
How is this funded?
Project Graduation receives no funding from tax dollars and does not charge students to attend. This has been possible due to the generosity of donations from local businesses, professionals, service clubs, community organizations, and concerned citizens. Project Graduation also benefits from several fundraisers. This year, our fundraisers include the Resolution Run & Walk 5K on New Years Day, an Art Auction in January, a Fashion Show/Basket Auction in February, a Dodge Ball game on February 23rd, a Gala Dinner on March 14th, and a Pancake Breakfast on April 19th. Donations of money, goods, and services are most welcome and may be sent to Project Graduation, PO Box 5673, Hillsborough, NJ 08844.
As the parent of one of this year's graduates, how will this affect my family celebration?
If you are planning a family graduation party, it would be best to pick a day either a few days before or after graduation. There WILL be time between the ceremony and check-in at the high school for you and your family to take pictures. Attendees do not have to be back at the high school until 8:30pm. Please keep in mind that your child will have been awake over 24 hours when you come to pick them up. Our experience has proven that they are usually not ready for another graduation celebration on the day after graduation.
How can I find out more about Project Graduation?
For further information or to volunteer, please contact Co-Chairs Judy Haas at (908) 281-6325, JJ Doyle at (908) 281-7300, or Lisa Killian at (908) 904-9038.
Or, you can use the feedback form below to contact Project Graduation with a question or comment.