After the Lemon Bay High School Commencement Ceremony, the celebration moved to the Englewood United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall for the annual Project Graduation.
This year’s event, themed “One Last Rodeo,” was entirely free for all attending seniors, funded entirely by donations from local businesses, parents, and community members.
The all-night lock-in, which concluded at 5 a.m. Saturday featured a wide array of entertainment, including laser tag, poker tournaments, line dancing lessons, mechanical bull riding, and a performance by dueling pianos. The graduates also enjoyed an assortment of trendy food and drinks, including custom s’mores, Boba lemonades, and “dirty sodas.”
Beyond the high-energy games, the event featured an emotional stop at “Memory Lane,” where students opened mailboxes filled with personal letters, cards, and well-wishes from family and friends. The night concluded with a full breakfast and thousands of dollars in cash prize giveaways.
Organizers credited the community’s hands-on support for the night’s success, noting that local restaurants, volunteers, and donors worked around the clock to provide supplies. Platinum sponsors included “Spread Spencer’s Sparkle” and Kirk Bouffard Plumbing. Thanks to local generosity, this massive event is completely free for all seniors, ensuring the majority of the class can attend together.
