To the Editor:

The Wilton Class of 2025 marked the end of its high school journey with the 36th annual WYC Post Graduation Party, a celebration that brought together 281 registered seniors from Wilton, including graduates who attended private schools but call Wilton home. On Saturday, June 14, following their graduation ceremony, students gathered at the Clune Center before boarding buses to Chelsea Piers for the substance-free, all-night event that has been creating safe graduation memories since 1988.

This year’s “Let the Adventure Begin” theme, inspired by the idea of graduation as the start of life’s greatest adventure, came to life through creative invitations designed as carry-on luggage pieces engraved with Wilton’s zip code. Each invitation included a custom luggage tag and boarding pass, were hand-delivered by parent volunteers the day after prom. The device-free celebration was designed to foster connections and positive experiences as students transitioned from high school to their next adventures.

The event represents five years of dedicated planning and fundraising by an all-volunteer board led by Chairperson Kiki Cross, and including Treasurers Meghan DeMasi and Heidi Cocca, and Communications Lead Evelyn Drew. The Class of 2025 PGP Steering Committee included Martha Phelan, Cathy Ratcliffe, Rachel Leung, Angela Bailey, Stephanie Mitchell, Lynn Perna, Sue Stengrim, Christine Polito, Tina Sommers, Mandi Schmauch, Margaret O’Donnell, Silvie Sharfudddin, Johanna Salvino, Jess Christ, Kerry Crossen, Anat Niv-Solomon, Rosanna Coughlin, Kerry Byrnes, Penny Schwartz, Jennifer Smith, Gyna Soucy and Robin Allen, along with their dedicated committee members. This dedicated group of women worked tirelessly throughout the school year planning an unforgettable night for the 2025 senior class. I am so grateful to have worked alongside such an amazing group of moms who poured their hearts into every detail to make this night unforgettable.

The festivities began with a special surprise video message from actor Ryan Reynolds, who offered encouraging words to the graduates about their bright futures ahead. The video was expertly produced by Sarah Beach in partnership with Wilton High School media production teacher Maria Breece and featured multiple WHS faculty and staff members who dressed as airline personnel, staying true to the travel theme while revealing the night’s activities and setting expectations for the celebration.

The success of the event relied heavily on generous support from local Wilton businesses including Painted Cookie, Stop and Shop Wilton, Village Market, Caraluzzi’s, Pelagic Beast, Aroma Spa, B Chic, PressBurger, Glow Bar, Signature Style, Southern Yankee, MoreGeorge Organization, Untangled, Outdoor Sports Center, Parlor, Norwalk River Rowing and Seizetheday.

As is customary, parents from younger classes helped with setup preparations, with Nikki DiNapoli leading 16 parent volunteers from the classes of 2026, 2027 and 2028 at Chelsea Piers. Throughout the night, 103 parent chaperones worked various shifts to ensure the celebration ran smoothly and safely.

The Post Graduation Party continues to serve as a cornerstone tradition in Wilton, representing the community’s commitment to providing safe, memorable experiences for graduating seniors. The event is part of Wilton Youth Council’s Class Projects initiative that begins when students reach seventh grade, promoting positive choices and creating lasting connections among parents and students throughout the community.

This event is an enormous undertaking and absolutely could not have happened without the support of our incredible Wilton community.

Kiki Cross
2025 PGP Event Chair