Yokota youths graduate safe and sound

  • Published
  • By Petty Officer 3rd Class Jason Segedy
  • Det. 10, Air Force News Agency
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan (AFPN) --  Many parents at Yokota Air Base slept soundly last week knowing their high school graduates were in good hands graduation night.

Project Graduation is an all-night party sponsored by many schools throughout the United States and at military bases overseas to keep students safe and apart from alcohol and drugs. 

"The opportunity to gather the seniors together in a safe environment is probably paramount for the parents," said Dan Rogers, secretary of Yokota Project Graduation. "Their other alternatives might be to go downtown or some other areas, which causes some risk." 

Project Graduation staff provided many activities to entertain the young men and women and keep the fun going into the late hours. Many of the graduates donned fake sumo wrestling suits and competed against one another. Jousting was another activity many enjoyed, and the graduates even put their limbo skills to the test Hawaiian-style. 

"It's a really good environment," said Lauren Goodwin, one member of the graduating class. "(We're) having a good time and we can win stuff for college." 

"It's really cool; there's a bunch of fun stuff provided for us," said Nickolaz Kunz, another graduate. 

High school graduation is one of many important milestones for the seniors. Project Graduation helps ensure graduates can take their next steps into adulthood and celebrate their accomplishments. 

"It keeps us out of trouble and we get free stuff," said Nickolaz. "What's better than that?" 

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