Project Graduation is an event for seniors at Ironwood Ridge High School to get excited about, it is an event that celebrates seniors graduating high school and moving on in life. For the Class of 2021 it is more than a graduation party but a party that celebrates fighting through a pandemic.
Covid-19 struck during early 2020, the class of 2020 could not celebrate their graduation how they would normally have, but Project Grad did a virtual Zoom event that had more than half of the graduating class of 2020. During the Zoom event the student band, Merge, was playing and more than $10,000 in cash prizes were given away. According to Beth Roberts, the Event Chair for Project Grad, states, “We feel that it is important to still offer an event to our graduating class, even if we can’t do something in person.”
As for the class of 2021 there are still plans of a Project Graduation in the works. The theme is Block Party, which will have a Mardi Gras feel and is scheduled to be on May 19th. With Covid vaccines being distributed the event is planned to be in person and according to Beth Roberts, “So if we are able to have the event, we will follow the guidelines provided by both the county and the Amphi district for what will be required of attendees.” If the event were to be canceled in person, Project Grad has a back-up plan for a virtual Zoom event that will be similar to last years. If the event were to be canceled all together for whatever reason, Project Grad will be giving refunds, but as Covid vaccines are being distributed Project Grad’s Block Party Event is still scheduled to be May 19th.
