What Is Project Graduation?

A Little History Project Graduation, originating in Maine during the 1970s in response to twelve teens who were killed in alcohol-related traffic crashes. Seven of those teens were from the same community. A group of parents, determined not to let alcohol ruin more lives, organized and hosted the original chemical-free alternative to the late- night partying that often accompanies senior celebrations. Project Celebration is a combination of education and lock-in events conducted by educators, parents and or community partners to help keep students safe and alcohol and chemical free throughout the school year and especially during school-related celebrations. In the 1980s, John McKay, a Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) employee, attended a traffic safety conference, learned of the program and brought it back to Texas. Spring brings high school seniors two reasons to celebrate—prom and graduation—the name evolved from Project Graduation to Project Celebration. Event backers quickly recognized that all too often, teens celebrate their achievements and pending freedom by drinking alcohol, taking mind-altering drugs and making reckless choices that sometimes end up with dire consequences.