Project Graduation

    

    

With the New Year finally here, that means that high school seniors are looking forward to one thing the most – graduation. Every school has their own traditions but New Jersey presents a whole new meaning behind a graduation party as they have a pretty unique tradition that Yazoo was glad our paper tubes and cores became the solution they were looking for.

“Project Graduation” is a long standing Glen Ridge, NJ tradition that the seniors look forward to each year. The event was created as a “send off” party for the seniors and put into place to give the students a fun and safe place to be rather than running the risk of getting in trouble at other parties.  The planning takes place in the fall when the students pick the theme and start fundraising, designing, and finding the location for the event. It is organized and managed by parent volunteers who have graduating seniors.  The event is held in three separate parts on the same evening after graduation; dinner party, tent party, and then a pool party.  The seniors have an allotted amount of time to get from one party to the next and have to check in.  Toy Story was the theme for 2017 and Yazoo’s paper tubes and cores were used to make giant “tinker toys” for the design.

Michael Blue, a clothing designer by trade and volunteer, said “Last year was the second Project Graduation that I have designed and executed. It’s 9 months of work for all involved but it is all worth it when we watch the kids walk into the tent party.  A lot of tears and some very tired parents.  Thanks again for being the go-to place for some very specific materials to design with.”