Parents and staff go all out at Cheney Tech to keep graduation night safe.

Project Graduation, Safe Grad Parties, All Night Substance-Free Graduation Parties originated in the 1980’s in an effort to prevent tragic deaths due to alcohol related crashes. But, keeping kids safe doesn’t come without a price tag. It takes a huge amount of time, effort and money to provide a safe celebration alternative to drug and alcohol parties. Approximately a half a dozen parent volunteers have held fundraisers, solicited area businesses, planned and organized this year’s celebration. The cost to put on each celebration is about $10,000. Cheney is also fortunate in that the staff is very supportive of this huge undertaking. Many staff members have volunteered their time year after year to ensure a safe and fun time for the graduates.

The Cheney Tech committee, to emphasize the hard work it has taken the graduates to reach the milestone of earning their high school diploma, uses the word “celebration” instead of “party”. It is a privilege to attend the celebration and only those seniors who qualify for graduation are allowed admittance into the festivities.

This is the 9th year Cheney Tech has held Project Graduation. In the early years it was held at Court House Plus, a health club. It then moved to the Glastonbury Wellness Center. This year the committee decided to try a new venue. The graduates will be bused to Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury CT for a night of rides, arcade games, an inter-active DJ, magician, Texas Hold’Em card game, basketball, volleyball, wiffle ball, and a huge Western themed Texas Barbeque. Ending the night is a “Senior Raffle” full of prizes and gift certificates for each of the graduates.

Very few students do not attend. Average attendance is 90-95% of the graduating class. It is a safe activity and the graduates have a great time with their friends. The committee and staff believe it is a really nice way for the students to end their time at Cheney Tech.

Plans are already under way for the celebration next year. Those interested in helping can contact Renee McDonald at Cheney @ 649-5396 X325.