Project Graduation: A Celebration of Community Spirit and a Safe Fun Night for the VHS Class of 2007

The Vineland High School class of 2007 enjoyed a safe, fun-filled Project Graduation party at Dave and Buster’s in Philadelphia following the June 18 commencement ceremonies at Gittone Stadium.

Project Graduation is a free all-night drug and alcohol-free party for seniors to celebrate their high school graduation. The location for this celebration is always a secret known only to a few of the organizers and never revealed to the students until their actual arrival at the site.

The event, threatened by state funding cuts, was rescued by a determined group of civic, business and education community members who either made outright donations or helped carry out projects that generated the nearly $50,000 necessary to make the night possible.

Soon after the actual commencement ceremonies, students arrived back at the gymnasium entrance to the high school to sign in for the party. After a security check, the new graduates adjourned to the gymnasium where sandwiches, fruit and beverages were available. Later, they boarded buses for the trip to Dave and Buster’s on Delaware Avenue in Philadelphia.

The students were reunited –safely --- with family and friends back at the school for breakfast at 6 a.m. before heading home.

“We want to thank all the businesses, parents, and community leaders who made this night possible,” said Karen Hunt, Project Graduation co-advisor with Benita Villar. “After a beautiful article written by Debbie Marko in the Daily Journal explaining our situation back in September, we received a generous donation from Allen Associates.”

“Then, a major fund raising effort began, sponsored by Mayor (Perry) Barse, Senator (Nicholas) Asselta, and (Cumberland County Sheriff Michael) Barruzza. We also received a great deal of assistance from the Greater Vineland Chamber of Commerce, many local businesses and many of our schools, who either sponsored fund-raising events or made donations.”

“The administration of both high school buildings, our superintendent (Chalky Ottinger), the school board, and most of all the faculty and staff at Vineland High School North and South have always been there to help Ms. Villar and I,” said Hunt. “We would like to thank them very much. This night would not have been possible without them. We are also grateful to Debbie Marko and John Sbrana for getting the word out to the community about our activities.”

“We are very appreciative of all the efforts of the many people who have helped us with Project Graduation,” said Villar. “At the beginning of the year we thought that we were not going to be able to have the event because of the lack of funds. It was incredible the way that everyone pulled together and we were able to get all the money needed for the event. Things have gone very smoothly tonight – thanks to our volunteers, including parents, who are helping with registration and all the details. All of this hard work is going to make this a safe, fun-filled night for the graduating class of 2007.”