'The Bash' Attracts New Ridge Grads [VIDEO]

Just hours before they had been high school seniors. But later on Friday night, many members of most recent class to graduate from boarded eight buses to attend their last event together as the Class of 2012, the Project Graduation Bash.

The newly graduated seniors headed to Funplex in East Hanover to celebrate their special night.

Project Graduation is a yearlong series of events designed to be drug and alcohol free that lead up to graduation night.

The final event, known as “The Bash” is an all-night celebration supervised by school personnel, parents and volunteers. 

This year, Funplex opened its doors to the Class of 2012 to allow for a full night of games and excitement for the new graduates. Rides, games, Lazer-tag, airbrush tattoos and go-karts were just some of the activities that the new grads were able to enjoy while savoring some time spent with their fellow Ridge graduates.

When asked about his favorite feature Funplex had to offer, newly-minted graduate Stefan Riccelli gave an answer that showed why Ridge grads are known for their accomplishments — “The bumper cars!"

Project Graduation was started in 1986 as a way to prevent tragedies linked to drinking and driving on graduation night. Administrator Tom Thorp, while pointing out the program’s primary goal was the safety of the recent graduates also stated, “This is one last celebration for a really great class”.

The Bernards Township State Community Organization Program (SCOP) oversees Project graduation. Project graduation consists of many events over the course of the year including the Senior Tailgate party, Ice-cream social and The Bash.