While the senior class and their families were participating in the graduation ceremony in the Franklin Field House, hundreds of volunteers were busy transforming the high school corridor to another world.
What can you do with a high school corridor? It is wide, concrete, has a tiled floor and not very exciting to look at. Well you'd be surprised by what can be done with a little creativity, lots of volunteers and have it all abide by the fire code for safety.
You see safety is one of the prime motivators behind the All Night Party anyway. What would high school seniors do on graduation night but go and party! With offsite parties, there would likely be alcoholic beverages. With such beverages, there would be an inevitable tragedy.
The All Night Party avoids all that. It magically transforms the high school corridor to a fun place for a party without alcoholic beverages and volunteer adult chaperones. The graduates can have a good time and their parents and families can rest assured for one night.
I was fortunate to be able to get behind the scenes and take these photos as the corridor was transformed. There was still work to be done after the graduation ceremony finished in the field house. There would be other exercise activities set up.
So let's walk along the corridor as it is being transformed...
From the field house, up the stairs to New York City at night with the stars out.
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| up the stairs to NYC |
The stars are all the graduates!
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| FHS graduate photo as a youngster |
Through the doorway, to Hollywood. Yes, more stars.
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| more stars in Hollywood |
A hand painted mural.
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| hand painted mural of a theater |
Hand crafted replicas of the Oscars! (Yes, Franklin has talent!)
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| one of the two Oscars with their creators |
From Hollywood, we step into Mardi Gras!
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| Mardi Gras display |
and yes, Franklin does love a party!
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| FHS loves Mardi Gras |
Then we get into the high school Marathon
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| the memory wall |
I'd like to have seen the memory wall at the end of the night
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| the Marathon Team poses |
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| the marathon finish leads to Hogwarts |
We catch our breathe by stepping into Hogwarts
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| did you bring your broom? it is quidditch time! |
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| watch out for the death eaters |
From the darkness of Hogwarts, we jump into the sunshine of Panther Beach
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| Panther Beach |
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| pose with a local beach drifter |
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| get some good advice |
From the beach, we take a ride to the Derby
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| another hand painted mural |
take a ride around Franklin Downs
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| Franklin Downs |
The horse figure first made its appearance at the All Night Party in 2004. My oldest daughter graduated that year. I wonder if she'll remember. The word has it that is has been more of a chameleon over the year than a horse, also showing up as a mule and a dinosaur at different times as well as changing color.
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| pose with the roses |
From the Derby, we join the casino cruise.
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| card game tables at the ready |
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| card game tables at the ready on both sides |
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| be careful how you play |
To contribute to or get involved in the All Night Party for next year visit their website for contact information
