The event will be held after graduation on June 21 from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Seneca High School offers a safe alternative for students to celebrate the night of graduation through Seneca Senior Send Off.
This drug- and alcohol-free event is offered to graduating seniors as a way for the students to gather as a group one last time before embarking on their separate journeys, and typically about 70 to 80 percent of graduates attend.
This year’s Senior Send Off will take place at Camp Inawendiwin in Tabernacle on June 21 from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. There are a variety of amenities and activities offered to those who attend, including a rock climbing wall, heated pool, laser tag, a gaga pit, cornhole, volleyball and a DJ.
Along with many activities, there will be chances for the graduates to win prizes, such as laptops, TVs, microwaves, Keurigs, gift cards and more, to help students transition into their college dorms. Food and beverages will be provided, and Mr. Softee will be offered as well.
The after-graduation event is coordinated by the Seneca Parent Group. Each month, parents gather and focus on topics that are affecting the school and the community. There is an annual drug and alcohol awareness presentation by the school resource officer and mental health discussions, in addition to the monthly discussions with Seneca Principal Jeff Spector, who attends every meeting.
The SPG was formed in 2005 and gives half of the money raised at its annual fundraiser to Senior Send Off and the remainder to other school projects. Each year, the SPG runs concessions at the Robotics Tournament to raise money to dedicate to the school.
In the past, the SPG has contributed financially to the paver garden/wall behind the high school where it dedicated a garden of G.I.F.T.S (Generations Inspiring Family and Talent at Seneca), as well as purchasing water-filling stations installed prior to the 2017 school year.
SPG President Colleen Tocci has been leading the group since September 2014 and depicts it as “a group of parents who strive to stay connected with our Seneca community. Seneca is a family, and that family extends beyond the walls of the school.”
Tocci is accompanied by Vice President Sharon Roseboro, Treasurer Jill Detwiler and Corresponding and Recording Secretaries Melissa Ciliberti and Kathy Fearon.
Senior Send Off is funded largely by the Tabernacle Municipal Alliance Program and the Governor’s Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse. There are also contributions from Shamong Township and donations from local businesses and parents of graduating seniors.
Along with the Seneca staff, there will be local first responders and members of the Red Lion State Police Station to ensure the safety of the graduating seniors. Parents of the graduates are welcomed to chaperone, and the Seneca grounds team helps with preparation to make sure the event runs smoothly.
Senior Send Off provides the opportunity for students to encourage others and celebrate their accomplishments as a graduating class.
“I love watching the graduates let their guard down and have a good time. I love when I see groups intermingling that wouldn’t necessarily hang out together at other times,” Tocci said. “June 21 should be all about being part of the Class of 2018 — all other ‘cliques’ shouldn’t matter.”
There is a $5 entrance fee for graduates, and they will receive a free long-sleeve shirt upon arrival. For more information or to make donations, email [email protected].
