As June slowly comes closer, Eastern Regional High School seniors are rearing up to enter the next stage in their lives.
But for many, it’s not before going through the traditional departure of Project Graduation, now in its 19th year at the school.
This year, it will be held on Wednesday, June 20 at Dave & Buster’s at 325 North Columbus Boulevard in Philadelphia from 11 p.m. to 3:30 a.m.
The cost for students to attend is $10.
Chairwoman of Project Graduation for the school Nancy Farmer said the night would be filled with fun activities.
Two airbrush tattoo artists will be coming, and Rocket Entertainment will be on hand to DJ the night.
The new grads will be able to sing to bobble-head karaoke — with up to three students together at a time — and receive a DVD to bring home as a final memory associated with the school.
“That’ll be fun,” said Farmer.
There will also be an open picture booth, she said, plus two blow up games: Twister and Rapid Fire.
And, of course, “all of the fun games that they have there.”
Games will be free at Project Graduation, she said.
Finger foods and drinks such as coffee and tea will be distributed, too.
The Project Graduation night doesn’t span through the whole night to avoid sheer exhaustion on the part of the students. They are already tired by the time they arrive, she said, from the experience of going through the graduation ceremony earlier in the day.
Transportation, entertainment, prizes and food are provided. The event is funded by the work of parent volunteers from all grades, various fundraisers, donations, the Voorhees Municipal Alliance and the Eastern Educational Foundation.
This year, Farmer said, the Project Graduation committee has raised $38,000.
The class show in December brought in the largest contribution, she said.
“That’s a major fundraiser,” she said. “That helps fund a great deal of this.”
Is it a concern the project ends at 3:30 a.m.? No, said Farmer.
“Statistically, it’s a night that a lot of kids tend to get hurt on the road from bad decisions,” she said. “If anything, they are safer by attending Project Graduation.”
“We try to keep our children safe,” she said, and the night helps to protect them, and has since its conception in Voorhees in 1993.
“We have a great police presence in our town,” she said. “We know where most of our kids are going.”
Parents are able to get the kids home safely, she explained, and they will find rides if any student is in need.
The night is free from drugs and alcohol.
Project Graduation is special for students, she said, in that it’s the last night for students to be together as a class.
A student designed a T-shirt and got a free ticket and gift certificate. The shirt was recently sent off to the printer, and all of the students will be wearing the similar garb.
With all of the activities, food, and togetherness, the students are bound to have a great time, she explained.
“It’s awesome for our kids and most of our towns around here do have it,” said Farmer.
Interested in donating to Project Graduation — or do you have question? If so, contact the high school with any questions at (856) 784–4441 or visit www.eastern.k12.nj.us.
