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The idea of an all-night, alcohol and drug-free graduation party and/or celebration is not new. In Oregon, high schools have sponsored such parties for over 40 years. The name "Project Graduation" was coined only in 1981 by the state of Maine when a total of 18 young people had died during two graduation seasons due to alcohol related accidents. Maine's first Project Graduation was such a success that high schools throughout the state adopted similar programs and Project Graduation became a generic name for the celebrations that have started a tradition....celebrating safely by celebrating alcohol and drug free!
Project Graduation was introduced in Tennessee in 1984 by Tennessee Families in Action, with the first celebration being conducted by Chester County High School in Henderson, Tennessee. In 1985 Tennessee Families in Action (presently Tennessee Family Partnership) began conducting statewide and regional training workshops for teams of students, parents, and teachers. The number of Project Graduation celebrations have increased each year, with thousands of parents and students becoming actively involved. Project Graduation is an on-going program of Tennessee Family Partnership.
For Oak Ridge students, the first Project Graduation (which the Youth Advisory Board has named "Graduation Celebration") was held for the graduating class of 1997 at the Oak Ridge Civic Center. Since then the City-sponsored Youth Advisory Board hosted this event annually at the Oak Ridge Civic Center.
Graduation Celebration is a celebration with a goal to bring families and communities together in support of our young people by working together for a common cause. It is an expression of cooperation, caring, and creativity. The theme of a "Safe, sane and secure" Graduation Celebration works! These youth have been given a special graduation gift ... their future!
Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing and tennis shoes, and to leave all valuables at home or safely locked in the trunk of their cars. Participants will be asked to empty their pockets into a clear 2-gallon ziplock bag (provided), which they will then take to "Baggage Check" for safe keeping. Participants can access their bags during the night. A disposable camera is provided for each graduate to use and keep. Participants must bring a swim suit and towel if they plan to do the SCUBA diving lessons or to use the pool during Open Games.
Below is a general permission slip required for participation in the event as well as certain other forms required for specific activities.
Graduation Celebration Permission Slip
SCUBA Registration Forms:
Scuba 1
Scuba 2
Scuba 3
In order to carry out these ambitious plans we will need to support of our parents and community. So we hope that you and your student will join us in our efforts. If you have any questions, suggestions, or would like to help or donate something, please contact:
| Youth Advisory Board | Graduation Celebration Foundation |
| P.O. Box 1 | P.O. Box 6546 |
| Oak Ridge, TN 37831-0001 | Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6546 |
| (865) 425-3450 |
or
| Graduation Celebration HELP! Form | Graduation Celebration Volunteer Form |
1. Click either of the links above and save the form as a document
2. Type in your information to the form and save it again
3. Email it to: gradvolunteer06@aol.com
Graduation Celebration is a wonderful opportunity for us all to tell our graduates "we are proud of you!"
For additional information and current meeting dates and photos, please click here.
