Press Release: Annual Project Graduation Bash Planned for Seniors

The Optimist Club of Westfield will celebrate another Project Graduation BASH with the Westfield High School graduating class on Wednesday, June 23.  This will be the 21st anniversary of the Optimist Club Project Graduation BASH, a tradition for graduating seniors.  Over the past 20 years, approximately 85% of the graduating class has attended BASH.  The purpose of the event is to provide a fun, safe, drug and alcohol-free atmosphere for the senior class to celebrate their high school graduation.  Over 7,000 Westfield High School graduates have had joyous and safe celebrations at the annual Project Graduation BASH.

Project Graduation BASH, the Optimist Club signature project, is all-night graduation event for the Westfield High School senior class on the night of graduation.  The substance-free celebration is sponsored and financed by the OPTIMIST Club and contributions from parent and local businesses are an important part of BASH funding.

The Optimist Club is a not-for-profit service club composed of men and women who live and/or work in the Westfield New Jersey area. The Optimist Club of Westfield, chartered as a chapter of Optimist International in 1989, is an organization whose mission is being "a friend of youth".  The 60 members of the Westfield Chapter have served the youth and families of our community for over 21 years through service projects, community activities, support for needy families, and academic programs and competitions.

Darielle Walsh, Chairperson of Project Graduation BASH, commented "BASH has provided a safe haven for our students on graduation night - many now even return to chaperon subsequent events.  We are often reminded of the importance of this night by young adults returning to the community after college with stories about "their BASH".