By By JESSICA SIEFF / Niles Daily Star
NILES – For some, the toss of graduation caps into the air signals the end of commencement. But for Niles High School graduates – it signals the beginning of what could be considered one of the most anticipated events all year.
Project Graduation has become a time honored tradition for students, parents and teachers at Niles High School since its inception in 1993.
"Project Graduation is a celebration for the senior class, where they can go and have a great time," said principal, James Knoll. Knoll said Project Graduation also serves as an opportunity for graduating seniors to spend one more night together – without having to face any possible pressures to take part in "something negative."
When commencement ended Thursday night, Jane Brandstatter, Chair of Project Graduation for 2008 says close to 200 kids boarded five school buses for the all-night event, the details of which are kept under tight wraps throughout the year.
First up for the graduates – Club 112 in Elkhart, Ind. When they arrived, graduates found life-size cardboard cutouts of the high school administration and miniature cutouts of the teachers. Those cutouts were on hand at the high school Friday. Brandstatter says that arrangements are made at each site to have three alternative activities so there is something for everyone to do. At Club 112, there was a live performance by the band Blammo, Karaoke and a digital photo booth.
Graduates could make their own music video, picking out costumes and music and lip syncing while video footage was fed into the green screen behind them. The videos were put onto a DVD for the graduates to take home and were no charge. Another activity at Project Graduation's first stop was an oxygen bar. "That was a huge hit," Brandstatter said of the new trend that is gaining in popularity where oxygen is mixed with various scents.
After Club 112, at approximately 1 a.m., the graduates boarded the buses for stop number two – Splash Universe Water Park Resorts in Shipshewana. "This group kind of went out of the box," said Brandstatter, about Project Graduation's site committee. Splash Universe, according to Brandstatter, was also excited to take part this year. "It's the first time that they had done anything like this," she said. "So they were very excited." To make sure the students were prepared but still clueless, Brandstatter said they were given a list of random items to bring along – which included a bathing suit – the only item on the list that was really needed.
Breakfast and the third stop of Project Graduation 2008 was the traditional breakfast at the Howard Township Fire Department before returning to Niles High School.
Speaking with Brandstatter, Project Graduation is an impressive operation for one solely dedicated to its graduating class. "We've done so many different things, it's amazing," said Knoll. And, he said, "it keeps the kids in a safe environment for that night."
"It truly takes us 12 months to do," said Brandstatter. Parents meet once a month, with the exception of July and August and with a few extra meetings in April and May. Brandstatter estimates a total of 10 to 14 meetings throughout the year. And as for the number of parents, who take part in pulling off Project Graduation, Brandstatter says she would estimate that at least 50 people attended at least one or two meetings, with an average of 30 people at each meeting.
One of the most impressive elements to Project Graduation could be considered that it is details are kept top secret and on a seemingly need-to-know basis. Even Knoll admits he didn't know any details until February. "That's a lot of dedication with the parents," Brandstatter said. Trust is big, explaining that those who know what's being done, don't tell and those who don't know, trust that what money is being used for the event is in good hands.
Project Graduation operates by budget of approximately $100 per student, according to Brandstatter, as well as donations. Students pay $25 for a ticket to attend. There are also giveaways throughout the night, the prizes being purchased and/or donated. "We have incredible support within the community," Brandstatter said. She added, they trust not to ask for details when donating, "and we're very proud of that," she said.
Brandstatter will pass the duties as chair of Project Graduation over to Angie Cramer who will be in charge of next year's event – which no doubt – many are already looking forward to.