Palm Beach Central High School’s graduation celebration May 23 lasted until 5 a.m. for the 383 seniors who joined in the all-night party organized by their parents called Project Graduation.
“Project Graduation is an all-night alcohol- and drug-free party for graduating seniors,” event co-chair Audrey Valentine explained. “Parents organize the event with help from teachers and staff. Money is raised throughout the year to hold the 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. event at Wellington’s Village Park gymnasium.”
The event — themed “Party in Paradise” — had activities all night long. Seniors could run through giant obstacle courses; test their skills at carnival games; play pool, ping pong and air hockey; and compete on an inflatable Twister-like game for 10 people. Seniors could also get a temporary tattoo or have a caricature made.
More than 100 parent and teacher volunteers worked all night to make the event a huge success. There was plenty of food and drinks donated by restaurants and businesses in the community. Seniors danced to a DJ until 3 a.m., when the laughs began as a hypnotist put 20 seniors under his spell and entertained the crowd.
“This event couldn’t happen without the support from the parents, PBCHS staff and teachers, and the business community,” sponsorship co-chair Terri Priore said. “We received over $22,000 in cash donations and another $8,000 in donations of food and prizes for the seniors.”
The PBCHS Project Graduation Committee thanks the following sponsors: marquee sponsor Equestrian Sport Productions LLC and platinum sponsor the FTI Consulting Great Charity Challenge; gold sponsors Minto Communities LLC, Wellington Dunkin’ Donuts and the Mall at Wellington Green; and silver sponsors MedExpress Urgent Care, the Village of Wellington, Buckeye Plumbing Inc., the Priore Family, Tahiti Joe’s Hot Sauces, the Wellington Preservation Coalition Inc., Armand Professional Services Inc., Successful Women’s Mastermind Alliance, Palms West Hospital and Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith PLLC.
“Project Graduation kept our seniors safe graduation night with one last chance to be with friends before they start the next chapter in their lives,” co-chair Hellen Cook said. “Seeing the seniors dance, play and laugh with their friends all night was an overwhelming experience that all parents should be involved with.”
Anyone interested in more information about Project Graduation 2014 and getting involved as a sponsor or volunteer should call Cook at (561) 389-5083.
ABOVE: Palm Beach Central High School grads enjoy a game of Twister during the Project Graduation party.
