Project Graduation 2012

Announcements

Calling all parents of Class of 2012 seniors! We need YOUR help to make Project Grad 2012 a fun, safe, successful evening for OUR kids. Let's make this another great year!

Welcome!

Thank you for visiting the official website for MHS Project Graduation!

We are parents and guardians of high school seniors in Milton, Vermont. Many volunteers, countless hours, and the generosity of our community members and local businesses combine to provide a fabulous, wonderful, fantastic, awesome, and fun substance-free event, following graduation in June.

Now that you're here, feel free to look around and discover how you can help. Project Grad 2012 meets on the 1st Monday of most months at 7:00 pm in the MHS library. Please check the calendar for details, as some months have different days and added meetings. The Milton Independent also has meeting information. Please join us!

So What is This About?

The concept of Project Graduation started approximately twenty years ago in Maine, after seven students lost their lives on graduation night in an alcohol/drug-related accident.

Graduates often “party hop” in their efforts to celebrate with as many classmates as possible. Project Graduation is an all-night, substance-free celebration that provides a fun and safe alternative to party hopping.

This supervised event is for graduating seniors. It is the last social event of high school where the seniors can be with their classmates, have a great time and, most importantly, a safe night.

So, we begin as soon as one graduating class ends! That is to say, it is nearly a 12-month effort to plan, coordinate, and raise funds to make it all happen. We need YOU, too! There are many ways to help, from heading a committee to helping out at sporting events, to sharing your creative ideas. We have something for everyone. Donations are always welcome!!

Participation

First, it's all about our high school seniors, of course! In 2010, we changed the format to include graduating seniors only. This allowed the seniors to have one final celebration and quality time with all their classmates. We had 90 seniors attend the event out of 142 graduates. This was a typical ratio of attendees. They were treated to a hypnotist, a 2 hour cruise on the Spirit of Ethan Allen with a DJ, and lots of food and beverages where they enjoyed dancing, eating, drinking and lots of laughter. Departing the waterfront, we left for The Racquet’s Edge where they enjoyed swimming, the climbing wall, black light volleyball, caricature artists, henna tattoos, photographs, Guitar Hero, several “Inflatables” and more. We provided lots more good food and beverages while they were enjoying time with their friends. About 4:30 we returned to MHS for the farewell gifts and goodbyes. It was a GREAT night! Everyone was very tired but had enjoyed a nice time with their classmates and good friends.

Second, it's all about family! Parents, guardians, family members – are all encouraged to help. We have tasks to fit every schedule – behind the scenes, leading a committee, or volunteering to chaperone the event – it all works because of our great volunteers. We have many creative fund raising opportunities throughout the year, so the more people that help, the more fun we all have. Did we say donations are always welcome?

Third, it's all about community! We have an amazing group of dedicated individuals, youth groups, and generous businesses that provide in many ways. From donations of money, time, raffle items, advertising, and materials for our events, we appreicate everyone that makes it all possible. We live in a great town!

Benefits

Everyone wins! Students and their invited guests are treated to an evening of interesting and fun events. Parents can relax a bit, knowing their kids are having a good time in a safe environment. Volunteers win by participating in a successful event for such a worthwhile cause. Businesses gain community support and *lots* of future customers and potential employees!

Requirements - What's next?

Watch for new links. We'll try things as we go along – the goal is to make it easy to communicate and schedule tasks. While work is already underway, we hope parents will feel free to sign up to help throughout the year.

Watch for links to our wish list and visit often to see how you can help!

We now have links for the forum and contact us. This website is a work in progress so we appreciate your suggestions to make this entire experience more fun and productive.

Parents of the Class of 2013 are invited to all meetings and to join the discussion board! We have a special forum ready for you, so please visit – list your ideas and things to remember. It will be your turn, soon enough!