Posted on: Saturday, June 9, 2001

Editorial

Project Grad ideals are not for one night

One of the brightest trends to catch on in Hawai'i is Project Graduation, the all-night alcohol- and drug -free graduation celebration.

From just a few schools at first, the idea has now spread to a record 45 high schools this year, both public and private.

These affairs are not easy to produce. They won't work if they are simply a glorified lock-down after graduation. They must be fun, mysterious, exciting and even rewarding. Merchants such as Windward auto dealer Mike McKenna and others make that last part possible by donating automobiles and other goodies as door prizes.

There is nothing sadder than celebration turned to tragedy because a new graduate is on the road that night, exhausted or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Of course, making things safe this one night is not the end of the story. There will be many more graduation parties and get-togethers to come in the weeks ahead. Graduates, their families and friends should honor the goals of Projection Graduation by making sure that those other festivities are equally rewarding, equally safe.