Project Graduation co-chairs Emily Leadon (left) and Lindsay Clendaniel have been working since September to ensure this year’s celebration is a success. Photo by Susan Dickson
By Susan Dickson
Staff Writer
After graduation on June 9, seniors from Chapel Hill High School and East Chapel Hill High School will gather for one last hurrah.
Thanks to “Project Graduation†student chairs Lindsay Clendaniel and Emily Leadon and their 55 committee members, this year’s graduates will certainly go out in style.
Project Graduation is an all-night, drug-and-alcohol -free celebration for Chapel Hill-Carrboro graduating seniors. The event runs from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. the night after graduation at the UNC Student Union, and has a little something for everyone.
About 90 percent of both high schools’ senior classes attended Project Graduation last year, and Leadon and Clendaniel expect the same numbers this year.
“Everyone wants to go,†Clendaniel said. The event, which is the 14th annual Project Graduation, has grown exponentially since 1993.
“It’s just like part of graduation,†Leadon said.
The celebration will feature laser tag, jousting, sumo wrestling, pool, bowling, video games, casino games, a moonwalk, a giant slide and more. In addition, several bands and a DJ will provide all-night music and local vendors will provide food.
Several local businesses have donated prizes that will be given out through raffles. Prizes include computers, iPods, college scholarships and more.
Every senior can bring one guest to the party. The event has become so popular over the years, Clendaniel said, that all underclassmen hope to be invited.
Both co-chairs helped with the event as underclassmen and were appointed as co-chairs by their predecessors. Both were excited at the prospect of planning the event.
“It just sounded amazing to me,†Leadon said.
“It’s just a good cause,†Clendaniel said. “It’s such a safe place to celebrate.â€
Since September, the co-chairs have been working with a group of 16 subcommittees in planning Project Graduation. Subcommittees focus on every component of the event, from set-up and clean-up, to food, fundraising and advertising.
Project Graduation is free for all graduates and is funded by contributions from the community. This year, students set a fundraising goal of $55,000. At their last meeting, they were about $8,000 short, according to Leadon and Clendaniel.
While planning the event, Leadon and Clendaniel got in touch with the original founder to talk about the history of Project Graduation.
“[The students] just wanted to get something safe and fun for all the seniors to do,†Leadon said.
Parents and other community members help to coordinate the event as well. The seniors have asked their teachers to volunteer to check students in and monitor the party.
“They know all the students,†Leadon explained, adding that students have to check bags, purses, cameras and cell phones at the door to ensure that the event remains substance free.
Once students enter the party, they aren’t allowed to exit and reenter. Volunteer chaperones who are 21 or older keep the event free of alcohol and drugs.
The students still need more volunteers to chaperone the event, as well as additional funds.