High schools planning safe graduation parties

Now that spring is here, high school graduation is not far behind and with it comes several area annual all-night graduation events.

The events are intended to provide a safe environment for them to celebrate.

The Central High School All-Night Graduation Party will start at 10:30 p.m. May 14 at the Osage Community Centre and feature dancing, games, food and entertainment.

In the past, Central's party has taken place the night of graduation, but because this year's graduation falls on a Sunday, the parents putting the event together decided to have it the Friday before the ceremony.

"It's just a way for them to spend a little more time together at the end of their senior year," said Rhonda Knepp, a senior parent who has helped with this year's event.

Notre Dame Regional High School recognizes seniors at the end of April, with senior week, which leads up to Project Prom and the senior banquet.

Seniors will have a chance to go bowling, visit the St. Louis Zoo, see a movie and dress out of uniform, among other things, during senior week. That Friday, April 30, is the day of the prom, which will be followed at 12:30 a.m. by Project Prom at West Park Lanes.

Project Prom is similar to Central's All-Night Graduation Party. Both offer food, music and activities for the senior students in an adult-supervised setting.

"It's to show you can have a lot of fun without alcohol," said Notre Dame principal Brother David Migliorino. He said about 99 percent of seniors usually show up and have a great time.

This year's Project Prom will feature karaoke, a D.J., bowling, a hypnotist and other games.

As with all the senior all-night events, it's the parents at Notre Dame who put this annual event together and seek private and business donations to pay for the expenses.

The week of senior activities ends with senior banquet May 2, which is sponsored by the freshman class.

At Jackson High School, seniors will have a party at the Southeast Missouri State University Student Recreation Center May 16 after baccalaureate services. The party will offer food, music, volleyball, basketball and door prizes.

School counselor Sarah Nussbaum said the party allows seniors to have activities together at the end of their secondary school experience.

About 30 parents have been working on the graduation party since the start of the school year, Nussbaum said. Students have been working too, selling Jackson High School umbrellas, pizza and cookie dough to raise money for the event.

kalfisi@semissourian.com

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