Project Graduation hosting event for Class of 2026
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV)-- The St. Joseph, Missouri, Project Graduation team is hosting a fun, safe celebration from 10:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 17 over at Belt Bowl.
Beckka Matthews, a volunteer with Youth Alliance, said Project Graduation is something they host every year for graduating seniors across St. Joseph high schools.
The goal, Matthews said, is to give students a fun, safe, drug- and alcohol-free way to celebrate such a big accomplishment.
“We have switched places in the past years, we have had it at the rec center, the mall, MoWest and this is our first year celebrating at Belt Bowl,” Matthews said.
Matthews said organizers wanted to try something new because the entertainment center offers everything in one place.
Graduates will have access to bowling, laser tag, arcade games and more throughout the night.
“I believe that our project graduation really shows the students that they matter and they are valued,” Matthews said.
Matthews said she has been involved with the event since 2022, though Project Graduation has been a tradition in the community for many years.
The event is free and all graduating seniors are invited to attend with family and friends. That includes homeschool students, St. Joseph Christian School, Bishop LeBlond High School and students from the St. Joseph School District.
“All graduates in St. Joe are invited to attend including homeschool, St. Joe Christian, LeBlond, they are all invited and of course all the students in SJSD will be there,” Matthews said.
Matthews said students can expect free drinks, unlimited arcade access, catered food, pizza, snacks, music and bowling.
Organizers will also hand out cash prizes and every student will leave with a prize packet donated by local businesses.
“My hope is to have a large attendance and just really see and have the students know they are valued, and their graduation is important,” Matthew said.
Organizers typically plan for around 200 attendees, Matthews added, though attendance varies each year depending on the size of the graduating class.
