'Project Graduation' provides safe environment
By Nance Ebert Contributing Writer

PHOTO/NANCE EBERT Westborough High School's new graduates Stasia Gregucz, Marybeth Ash, Vivian Ho, Samara Yohai and Heather Christie celebrate at Teamworks.

Region - Westborough High School's newly graduated seniors participated in Project Graduation, an all-night celebration sponsored by parents and held June 2 at Teamworks in Northborough. This substance-free event was started in 1991 by parents who were concerned about their children's safety.

"This is such a wonderful event," parent Leslie Lippman said. "It enables the kids to have a chance to celebrate their accomplishments in a safe and fun environment. We encourage parents of all age groups to participate."

Teamworks was decorated with palm trees and a tiki bar to go along with the "Survivor" theme. Throughout the event, the students participated in organized races, volleyball, ping pong, bingo, blackjack, fortune-telling, a hypnotist show and more. There was a wide array of hot and cold food, beverages and pastries.

Each student was asked to create a photomontage on a poster depicting himself or herself from birth through senior year, with the posters decorating the walls. Throughout the event, the graduates were free to participate in the organized activities or to find a quiet corner and sign one another's yearbooks.

At 5 a.m. June 3, students were allowed to leave.