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ELKINS -- The 2023 graduating class of Elkins High School has decided to celebrate their graduation with a drug- and alcohol-free, all-night after-graduation party organized by the GFWC Junior Woman's Club of Elkins.
The party will be held immediately after the graduation ceremony on Friday, May 26.
"This party will assure that none of the Class of 2023 will be injured or killed in a drug- or alcohol-related accident," a GFWC Junior Woman's Club press release states.
The theme for this year's party will be "Tiger Pride Forever."
"Statistics show that more young people between the ages of 16 and 20 are injured or killed between the hours of 10 p.m and 4 a.m in May and June than during any other time of the year.," the release states.
This will be the 38th anniversary of Elkins High School's "Project Safe Graduation." The name is used across the country for drug and alcohol free graduation parties. "Project Safe Graduation" is currently being held in all 50 states.
The EHS party will be held at the Phil Gainer Community Center from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. on May 26. A variety of activities have been planned for the night, including casino games by the Kiwanis, a temporary tattoo artist, dancing and karaoke with music by DJ Liam Purkey, a silent auction, arcade games provided by J. Rod's Vending, a caricature artist, a selfie booth, many games, National Guard gaming trailer or rock climbing wall, a variety of food donated by area businesses, and much more.
Each senior staying the night will win a prize and will be eligible to win the grand prize. The grand prize this year is provided by Elkins Auto. There will be one young lady and one young man walk away with $1,000 each that will be given away at the end of breakfast. Breakfast will be provided by the Elkins McDonald's restaurant.
Local businesses have donated prizes and money in support of the party. The three local fire departments which service the Elkins High School area -- Elkins, Beverly and Leading Creek -- are donating their time to help chaperone the event.
The Randolph County Sheriff Department, Elkins City Police Department and the West Virginia State Police Department will be making random appearances in and around the Phil Gainer Center throughout the event.
If any business or individuals would like to make a donation to help with the party or would like to help chaperone, they may contact Project Safe Graduation Chairwoman Angie Goff at 304-636-5626.
Parent information packets were mailed at the end of March which included information about the party. The registration form is to be mailed to Angie Goff, 218 Hen House Lane, Beverly, WV 26253 by Saturday.
These forms can be obtained on the Elkins High School website under the Project Safe Graduation Party tab. These forms will provide the Project Safe Graduation Committee with attendance numbers to ensure we have enough food and prizes for all the graduates.
Graduates are allowed to bring one guest and he/she must be 15 to 20 years of age, no exceptions will be made. All seniors and guests must be registered via the registration form to attend the party due to liability issues.
As stated in the Project Safe Graduation booklet, "The Surgeon General has reported that life expectancy has improved over the past 75 years for every age group, except for the one that includes high school seniors, their death rate is higher today than it was 20 years ago because of the drunk driving crashes. But, with 'Project Safe Graduation' we are fighting back."
For further information, please contact Goff at 304-636-5626.