A Yokota High School graduate tries to limbo under a pole held by two Sons of Hawaii volunteers Thursday night at Project Graduation, a celebration at Yokota Air Base’s Taiyo Recreation Center for Yokota High School’s newest graduates. (Bryce S. Dubee / Stars and Stripes)
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan — After receiving their diplomas at Thursday’s graduation ceremony, the seniors at Yokota High School were ready to celebrate.
And parents, teachers and other community members were there to help the graduates enjoy their evening by holding Project Graduation.
On Thursday night, 54 of the 59 graduates met at the Taiyo Recreation Center to let their hair down and party throughout the night.
“I didn’t think it was going to be this much fun,” said Breyana Anderson, one of the graduates. “It was a lot of fun and a good chance to spend time with everyone one last time.”
Pizza, prizes, karaoke, video games, bull-riding and even a climbing wall were just some of the things available for graduates to enjoy.
Throughout the night, volunteers from the Sons of Hawaii organization held challenges, including a limbo contest and trivia questions, during which students could earn tickets to exchange for prizes.
“There are a good variety of activities for all sorts of different people,” said Andrew Jenness, another graduate at the event.
About 80 volunteers came together to make the event possible, said Becky Kendrick, one of the Project Graduation organizers.
“It’s seemed like something fun to volunteer for,” said Airman 1st Class John Wood, who was manning the climbing wall. “I’m a pretty energetic person, and I figured I’d bring some of my energy to the event.”
However, the high percentage of graduates who participated is what made the event a success, said Kendrick.
“Our goal was to keep the seniors safe on graduation night and to let the parents know that their children are being taken care of,” she said.
