Project Graduation, a drug- and alcohol-free all night lock-in for seniors on the night of graduation, is celebrated all over the country. It started in 1979 when a community in Maine experienced 7 alcohol and drug related teen deaths during the commencement season of that year. In the wake of these tragedies, the community rallied together to offer the next year’s seniors a safe and alternative event. The party, which was called “Project Graduation”, was a huge success and became the model for the nation, helping to protect the lives of graduating seniors in all states.
The Parents and Friends of LASA (PFLASA) hosts Project Graduation on the night of graduation each year for all LASA seniors.
The cost of having an amazing party at the East Communities YMCA and providing activities like swimming, gaming, a spa, fun photos, a comedy hypnotist, food, music and $3,000 in prizes, is about $20,000.
Funds come from a TX Dot grant for documenting the drug and alcohol awareness activities, $15-$20 tickets depending on when they buy them, and an online auction we hold every fall.
Parent volunteers run the whole auction as well as the all-night party in addition to obtaining the grant.
In addition to Project Graduation, PFLASA supports Senior Salute. Learn more about that LASA tradition by clicking here.