Operation Graduation began as Project Graduation, originating in Maine during the 1970s in response to twelve teens who were killed in alcohol-related traffic crashes. Seven of those teens were from the same community. A group of parents, determined not to let alcohol ruin more lives, organized and hosted the original chemical-free alternative to the late-night partying that often accompanies senior celebrations. But the idea of all-night, chemical-free parties was not new—Oregon schools had been hosting parties like this for decades.
In the 1980s, John McKay, a Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) employee, attended a traffic safety conference, learned of the program and brought it back to Texas. John worked closely with the Alcohol, Drugs and Highway Safety Coordinator at Maine’s Department of Education and Cultural Services to launch Project Graduation in Texas high schools. Soon, the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS), Texas Department of Health (now Texas Department of State Health Services), Texas Education Agency, Texas Safety Association, Congress of Parents and Teachers, Texans’ War on Drugs and the Texas Center for the Judiciary endorsed the Project Graduation concept.
Because spring brings high school seniors two reasons to celebrate—prom and graduation— the name evolved from Project Graduation to Project Celebration. Event backers quickly recognized that all too often, teens celebrate their achievements and pending freedom by drinking alcohol, taking mind-altering drugs and making reckless choices that sometimes end up with dire consequences. Willis High School parents and community members have chosen to host this exciting event on the evening following the graduation ceremony. Operation Graduation is a monumental event that truly takes a village to plan, organize, fund and execute!