Infrared Artist,Infrared Photography, IR Art, Fine Art

History of RHS Project Graduation

In 1961, seniors from Ridgewood High School, Ridgwood, New Jersey participated in the traditional graduation ceremony - Men in white Tuxedos, with a red carnation in their lapel and ladies in white gowns carrying a dozen long stemmed red roses processed to recieving their diplomas. What set this class apart was after the traditional dinner ended at 1 am the three hundred and ninety nine of the four hundred twenty nine graduates left the Ridgewood Country Club and made local history by arriving at Benjamin Franklin Middle School for the first "All Night Senior Party".

Music was provided by the Dolphina combo. Entertainment was an Irish comedian, a strong man act and a performer who created cartoon figures from balloons, ending with breakfast at 5 am. The theme was "Japanese". For decoration the ceiling of the gym was disguised with fireproof crepe paper and each student was given a Japanese sitting mat. The organizers and chaperones were just a few senior parents, their intention was to keep the students together and safe as they celebrated their High School graduation. It was considered a successful party.

In keeping with this tradition, parents of the 2006 RH S graduating class transformed the B. F. Middle School gym and cafateria into a magical event. The theme was “Harry Potter”. Seven years prior, some students will remember the 5 th grade visiting author was none other than J. K. Rawling, author of the newly released Sorcerer's Stone, first book in the Harry Potter series. The planning, by a committee of parents, had been in the works for over a year but the construction began in earnest with senior parents meeting twice a week, starting in March. A few days before the June 22, 2006 graduation the rooms to be used for the party became accessible to the parent decorators. The effect and evenings festivities was nothing short of magical.
It too was considered a success.

This show was originally created for the RHS 2006 Project Graduation parents as a way to remember the experience and also to experiment with a new software that was being considering for the studio. It was to be online for only few months. Each year I am requested to show it again for the benefit of parents new to the Project Graduation experience. As a graduate of RHS and a parent of graduates I highly recommend becoming a part this - you will be creating a lifetime memory. Plus it's good excercise.