Fact 1: The WHS Post Graduation Party (PGP) is one of many parent sponsored, all-night, alcohol-free parties held across the nation on the night of high school graduations for the express purpose of creating a safe environment for graduates to celebrate a major milestone.  The tradition began in reaction to the Ridgefield tragedy as well as many other such incidents around the country.  The party is open to all Wilton public and private high school graduating seniors and has been held annually for over twenty years.

Fact 2:  The PGP costs about $40,000 to $45,000 for a class about our size.  This is an average of $125-$150 per attendee.  A portion of the funds are raised through student and parent activities as well as spirit wear sales all of which begin at the end of  7th grade.  There are also some private donations from business and families.  At the end of junior year, the committee will ask for a voluntary donation from each family of a rising senior.   This amount is determined by the PGP committee after reviewing the current balance of the project.  In the past the donation has been the graduating year (12) plus $100 making our donation $112 per student.  We are working to keep this number as low as possible, in fact, it is our goal to keep the donation below $100.  Obviously, not all families can or are willing to make this donation but the committee will still allow all graduating seniors to attend the PGP.  Any leftover funds are donated to the Wilton Youth Council, our parent organization. 

PGP is held at Middlebrook School and begins at 10 p.m. after many families have had a post-graduation celebratory dinner with friends and relatives.  The all-inclusive evening features food, alcohol free drinks and entertainment options galore.  Most items and services are donated or purchased in bulk at near wholesale prices.  Many decorations are recycled from year to year and even from the 8th grade dinner dance!  Mostly it is volunteer hours at are donated.  All year prior to the party parents from the class come together in the trailer near the Middlebrook gym to paint, cut, hammer and create in order to transform Middlebrook into an amazing venue for this spectacular event.  Party chair people and their volunteers are cost conscious and creative . 

Fact 3:   The party is a gift to the class; a gift designed to keep all of the graduates safe for the night.  In all probability, this will be the last time all of the students will be together in one place ever again.  If it were not for PGP, many families would be hosting their own individual celebrations.  PGP is open to all the kids in the class of 2014 and not just a few lucky ones who are invited to a party.  

Fact 4:  Some people believe that too much time and effort is put into PGP and the Class Projects.  In fact, the class projects fill a very real place for many kids through our social, community service and fundraising activities.   Project 2014 is dedicated to keeping kids safe and involved in the community for all of the years leading up to graduation.  Furthermore, we have found the parents of the class are thrilled to attend our parent gatherings to see old friends and meet new ones.  As for the PGP party, this is the type of creative service project many people enjoy.  For some who will soon be empty nesters they feel this as been an important final volunteer project for their child.  For others they are able to donate their time and talent to a party the kids of 2014 will never forget.  It may not appeal to everyone but for those that enjoy this type of volunteering project it’s wonderful.