One Last Rodeo: LBHS Seniors Celebrate Safely at Project Graduation 2026

post_publisher — Thu, 28 May 2026 11:38:58 +0000

After the Lemon Bay High School Commencement Ceremony, the celebration moved to the Englewood United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall for the annual Project Graduation.

One of the most meaningful experiences at Project Graduation is visiting your mailbox. Graduates receive letters from friends, family, and past teachers. Photos courtesy of Dawn Stephens

The theme of this year’s Project Graduation was “One Last Rodeo.” Photos courtesy of Dawn Stephens

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.

Seniors enjoyed reading heartfelt letters, playing games, and eating lots of snacks at Project Graduation! Photos courtesy of Dawn Stephens

A graduate sports the “One Last Rodeo” themed T-shirt given to each attendee. Photos courtesy of Dawn Stephens

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.”

Graduates roast marshmallows over the firepit. Photos courtesy of Dawn Stephens

Graduates show off their cornhole skills. Photos courtesy of Dawn Stephens

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.

Graduates test their manual dexterity and strategic thinking by playing Jenga. Photos courtesy of Dawn Stephens

Pictured (L to R) are Project Graduation volunteers David Cassanova, a LBHS football team volunteer and Donnie Stephens of Spread Spencer’s Sparkle. Photos courtesy of Dawn Stephens

Graduate Kara Jones reads a letter from her mailbox. Photos courtesy of Dawn Stephens

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.

The post One Last Rodeo: LBHS Seniors Celebrate Safely at Project Graduation 2026 appeared first on Englewood Review.

One Last Rodeo Archives - Englewood Review

One Last Rodeo: LBHS Seniors Celebrate Safely at Project Graduation 2026