The following has been compiled from a press release.
This past weekend, members of Wilton High School’s Class of 2018 received hand-delivered invitations to this year’s Post Graduation Party (PGP). The theme of the annual party–always one of Wilton’s most closely guarded secrets–was revealed to be “Social Reality.” Rarely seen without technology, these students’ lives have been strongly influenced by social media, a reality brought to life in this year’s theme as the class celebrates the past, embraces the present and anticipates the future.
Since Wilton High School’s last day of senior classes back in May, the PGP Committee has been using an Instagram account (@Tribev18epgp) to release clues, run contests and post other nostalgic photos, taking the Class of 2018 on a social media journey of memories.
The unique PGP invitation, delivered in an Instagram box, was modeled after a Facebook Event invite. Also inside was a smartphone wallet, cookies from The Painted Cookie, emoji candy, and a selfie stick with a Snapchat card personalized with each student’s senior picture! When students scan their Snapchat cards, they are taken to a website with more PGP details.
“Social Reality” started to come to life for the Class of 2018 with the Instagram campaign, but reality will set in when the event begins at Middlebrook School on the evening of Saturday, June 23, following WHS graduation. The Class of 2018 will meet up at Middlebrook, where the event starts at 10:30 p.m. (with no admittance after 11:30 p.m.) and ends at 5:00 a.m..
Students ultimately will be brought to a surprise destination, where they will get a chance to snap a look at their past, revisit their present and glimpse their future as they spend a substance-free night reveling in the glow of their graduation. The event will end just before dawn on Sunday, and based on past years, just about all students will stay through the night and be there when the sun comes up.
The PGP is the culmination of Class Project 2018, one of the many programs run by Wilton Youth Council. Over the past five years, Class Project organizers have held informational, social and fundraising events for both parents and students. Parents of the graduating class volunteer their time, resources, and talents to give their students a party like no other, and a safe environment in which to celebrate the accomplishments of the last 13 years.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of this honored, annual Wilton tradition and is a substance-free, fun-filled event planned and funded by the families of the senior class and supported by the entire Wilton community. Many local businesses step forward with donations of products and services, making PGP a true community celebration.
Although the actual event is not being held at Middlebrook, the public can get a glimpse of what the evening will include by attending the PGP community walk-through, scheduled for Saturday, June 23 from 1-3 p.m., at Middlebrook School. All adult members of the community are welcome to attend the walkthrough; anyone under the age of 18 is not allowed. Cameras and pets are also not permitted.