LANE CURLEE

Business Reporter

A 30 year Tullahoma tradition designed to keep graduating Tullahoma High School seniors safe on their graduation night is being planned by senior class parents. The community is invited to support Project Graduation 2026 to ensure its continued success.

Project Graduation is an annual effort designed to provide Tullahoma High School graduates with a safe, supervised celebration on graduation night May 15th. Across the country, high school graduation night is one of the most dangerous for graduating seniors. Of all the accidents involving teens each year, about one third take place during graduation season according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In Tullahoma all Project Graduation activities are held at the high school and run from 10pm to 6am. So far about one half of the graduating class has registered to attend the event.

According to senior parents and co-chairs Stacy Lynch and Kelly North, “The event ensures each graduate has the opportunity to celebrate his or her accomplishments in a safe and drug-free environment. Because of this program, Tullahoma High School has been incident free since its inception.”

During the evening, the graduates will have the opportunity to play carnival-like games where they will win tickets which they can use to win prizes. Students can also earn gift cards and money in a money machine.

Later, the students will break up in teams and ‘go back to elementary school’ to compete in field day games with an opportunity to win more money. A raffle is planned to end the event when every graduate will leave with a larger prize as well as a goodie bag filled with more money.

Throughout the evening food and drinks will be available.

Planning and fundraising for the large event has been taking place for months.

According to Lynch, “Our goal is to raise $40,000 in funds and prizes to provide the graduates. This will ensure each graduate is able to receive something special as they leave.”

Organizers are still taking donations of food, prizes and money. “This celebration would not be possible without the financial contributions and donations of prizes and food from businesses, organizations and individuals.”

Volunteers are also needed to make the event a success. Volunteers help run the games and help with security to make sure the event is safe for everyone.

To volunteer or provide money, food or prizes, you are asked to contact Project Graduation organizers at THS2026projectgrad@gmail.com.

“Our goal for graduation night is to keep our graduating seniors safe and help them create lasting memories,” said North.

Lane Curlee can be reached at lcurlee@lighttube.net or 581-0360.