32 MAY 2024 By Mallory Gleich Plans are underway for this year’s Project Graduation, an annual event following the ceremony for seniors at Arcadia High. Project Graduation is a nationwide event that started in Maine in 1980 as an alcohol- free, all night alternative to student-led celebrations. Of all the alcohol-related fatalities involving teens each year, about one-third of them take place during prom and graduation. Arcadia High adopted this tradition in 1991 in response to the rising stats of injuries and accidents in the community after ceremonies conclude. This year, students will board school buses and head to Mavrix in Scottsdale on May 23 from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. There, the students can check out unlimited arcade games, bowling, and laser tag – and this year’s celebration will also include blackjack tables (each win gets a lottery ticket for a $100 gift card), gift card giveaways, an interactive illusionist show by Nick Ivory, caricature artists, photo booths, and unlimited pizza, soft drinks and dessert. The event used to take place at Cracker Jax, but the student council took a survey a few years ago, and everyone voted for a new spot – Mavrix was the winner. To commence in the merriment, the Project Graduation Committee (headed by mom Sue Tessmer) puts together different ways to raise funds for the evening: yard signs are available for purchase for families, and the “Sponsor a Senior” program provides funds for things like caps and gowns, a ticket to the event (it runs about $80 per person), yearbooks, and gift cards. “All SUSD high schools also receive a $2,000 grant from the Scottsdale Charros for their graduation celebrations,” Tessmer said. “We put that money toward the event and also use it to buy gift cards to local restaurants, or Amazon, Best Buy, and Visa cards so kids can have some funds to put toward whatever their plans are after May 23.” The committee also coordinates a “Grad Walk” where seniors wear their cap and gown and march through the halls at Hopi, Tavan, Echo Canyon and Ingleside. They also sponsor a brunch for the graduates following a practice run. Parents of junior students usually run the event so senior parents can enjoy the evening and head home after graduation. Approximately 365 students will head to the stage to accept their diplomas this year. “Project Grad is a perfect end to senior year. It is one last time they can be together with their classmates, celebrate their accomplishments, and make lasting memories in a safe and fun environment,” Tessmer said. For more: arcadiapto.org or email projectgrad@arcadiapto.org Arcadia High’s next mission: Project Graduation 2023 graduates Ruby Cardon, Joe Mellen, Jojo Sati, Jack Ingram, Colton Pruitt, Garrett Nelson, Ryan Sheedy, Maddy Malatesta, Tatum Longnecker and Riley Sowders. PHOTO COURTESY OF SUE TESSMER If you are currently working with an agent, please disregard. NATHAN ANDERSON + PAUL NICOLETTI 480.888.5800 | NATEANDPAUL.COM SCAN TO CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE! Or give us a call at 602.730.0668 Today ROC #314154 We are embarking on an ambitious plan to acquire six more properties in Arcadia in 2024. Renowned for our commitment to quality and the community of Arcadia, we aim to further contribute to the area’s charm and livability with these new custom homes. Join us in shaping your neighborhood’s future. Let’s build a brighter Arcadia together. Contact us anytime. 3832 E MONTEROSA STREET ARCADIA LITE COMING SOON 4501 E TURNEY AVENUE ARCADIA | HOPI SCHOOL DISTRICT COMING SOON 4525 N 36TH WAY ARCADIA LITE LUXURY LEASE OPPORTUNITY