May 23 is an important date for public high schools on Kauai. Yes, it’s the date seniors from Kapaa, Kauai and Waimea will graduate. But it’s also the date of Project Graduation, when those seniors get to spend the night partying. Yep, a well-deserved celebration after four years of tests, papers, homework and studies. It’s a fitting send off as seniors look to the future. We encourage them to party as they prepare for college, careers and families. Their parties, though, will be alcohol- and drug-free and deserve our support.
Here’s how Project Graduation works: Following commencement ceremonies (Kapaa High will be at New Town Ball Park, 6:30 p.m.; Kauai will be at Vidinha Stadium at 5:30 p.m. and Waimea High’s will be on the WHS front lawn at 6:30 p.m.), grads who signed up in advance and paid the fee will takes buses to the site of their Project Graduation party. Once there, they remain until 6 a.m. There will be entertainment, activities and food, along with chaperones. It’s a wonderful night to cap four years of hard work, made a reality by armies of volunteers and donors. In addition to cash donations, many businesses offer goods and services or volunteer for the events.
The reason Project Graduation needs our support is it’s an alternative to parties where booze plays a prominent role. And there are too many tragic stories resulting from the traditional post-graduation festivities.
Whatever can be done to reduce, even eliminate those tragic endings, should be supported. Let’s honor those seniors for their commitment to their education and send them into the future with a gala unlike any they’ve seen.
Project Graduation, though, isn’t cheap. The annual cost is $30,000 to $40,000 per school. The fee paid by seniors doesn’t cover the real cost of the event. Here’s how you can help:
Donations for all three events are still being accepted. The committees are also in need of additional volunteers and sponsors to cover the admission fee for needy students. Contact information for the three committees are as follows:
Kapaa High School: Cassie Camara, 652-6316, kwarriors_pg@ymail.com
Kauai High School: Laurie Yoshida, 652-4101 or email laurieyoshida@gmail.com
Waimea High School: Anna Henriques, annahenriques_10@msn.com
