Moorestown embraced a special tradition for its high-school students years ago that’s still going strong.
“The kids have a lot of fun,” said Karen Greer, past chair of Project Graduation. “They’re excited and it’s just a good time.”
During the 1979 commencement period, seven of the 12 deaths among teenagers caused by driving under the influence occurred in the Oxford Hills area of Maine. In response, a school-community coalition formed and implemented Project Graduation, a chemical-free commencement, during the 1979-’80 school year, according to the CDC.
During Oxford Hills’ 1980 commencement period, there were no fatalities, no alcohol or drug-related injuries and no arrests for driving under the influence.
Moorestown adopted Project Graduation in 1991 as an annual community-sponsored celebration that offers a safe, all-night, alcohol and drug-free alternative to traditional parties. It’s an inclusive event that not only ensures the safety of Moorestown High School alumni for an evening, but also demonstrates to graduates that it’s possible to have fun without drugs or alcohol.
Following commencement, the graduates depart directly from the school. In true Moorestown fashion, they’re applauded as they leave town on eight buses, escorted by the township’s fire and police departments.
“I think the community loves it,” Greer noted of the clap-out. “People love going up to Main Street, waiting for all of the graduates to go by … It’s very gratifying to see it all come together …
“The kids are just having a good time – no matter what.”
The graduates are then taken to unidentified locations where they enjoy a night filled with activities, food and prizes. In the past, MHS alumni have gone to two to four area spots throughout the night, many of which they’ve never been to before. The festivities conclude as they return to the high school around 5 a.m. the following morning – tired, but safe.
“It’s a great cause and the kids love it,” Greer added. “It’s their final farewell where they’re all together again, and it provides a celebration for the entire class. Nobody is left out, everyone can attend and they can spend one last event together.”
Moorestown’s Project Graduation is supported each year by corporate and local business donations; donations from community organizations and local sports clubs; community and family donations; a fine dining raffle, where tickets are $100 with a chance to win $2,000 worth of restaurant gift certificates; lawn sign sales; periodic fundraisers; a committee of volunteers who spend hundreds of hours over the year preparing, planning and fundraising for the night; more than 150 volunteers who make things run smoothly and safely for the 300-plus students who participate; and support from Moorestown High Principal Andrew Seibel, who stays out all night with the graduating class.
For updates on Project Graduation, search MoorestownProjectGraduation through Facebook, projectgrad.mhs through Instagram or visit www.moorestowneducationfoundation.org/project-graduation. Those interested in signing up for the Project Graduation newsletter can visit https://eepurl.com/jsmZVE or to donate, visit www.Tinyurl.com/PG2026DONATE or mail a check to MEF/Project Graduation, 803 N Stanwick Road, Moorestown, 08057.
