Del Val Project Graduation

Hello, this is Ann Marie Austin.

I am making one final statement for today. I am extremely exhausted, and last evening was emotional and difficult for many of us.

Prior to the event, I requested K-9 assistance and State Police presence at the school during registration. Those resources were not made available to us.

On our way back, I contacted the New Jersey State Police at the Kingwood Barracks and asked if they could meet us at Del Val High School. I was advised there was nothing they could do at that time, but that a report had been made in the event an emergency response became necessary. Anyone who would like to verify that information is welcome to contact them directly.

When we returned to the school, we remained in the parking lot while parents picked up their children. Given the behavior we had already encountered throughout the evening, our priority was getting students safely into vehicles and home with parents, guardians, friends, or parents of friends.

Families had been advised in advance that updates would be posted on Facebook, and I provided updates as I was able. Please remember that I was on the bus and on the boat, along with other volunteers, actively managing a rapidly evolving situation and doing everything possible to keep students safe.

I encourage parents to speak with their children about what they witnessed. They saw concerned chaperones working alongside concerned crew members throughout the night. I was not in charge of the vessel. The captain and crew were responsible for the operation and safety of the boat, and we worked closely with them throughout the evening. Ultimately, the decision to turn the boat around and end the event early was made for safety reasons based on their recommendation.

I would also encourage parents to review their children’s social media activity. It is my understanding that some students have been openly discussing and even celebrating their behavior from last evening.

To those who were not present, I respectfully ask that you take a moment before criticizing decisions that were made in real time. This was a difficult situation, and every decision was made under challenging circumstances with the information available at that moment.

To the chaperones, staff members, family members, volunteers, and crew who stepped forward to help, thank you. Your support, dedication, and concern for student safety did not go unnoticed.

To everyone who has reached out with kindness, concern, and support, I am truly grateful. I have even had students reach out through their families or through my own children to express concern, appreciation, and encouragement. Those messages have meant more to me than I can adequately express.

For months, we repeatedly asked for additional volunteers and chaperones. Many people answered that call, and I am incredibly thankful to them. Before criticizing those who were there, I simply ask that you remember who chose to step forward and help.

At the end of the day, every decision that was made was made with one goal in mind: the safety and well-being of our students.

Hi, this is Ann Marie Austin, current President of Project Graduation.

Your disappointment is completely understood. Believe me when I say that I am extremely upset about what occurred as well. I was on that boat, and I share the frustration and sadness felt by many families whose students were looking forward to a full and memorable experience.

I do want to reassure everyone that absolutely no tax dollars fund this event. Project Graduation is a parent-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates entirely separately from the school district. The school is not responsible for planning, funding, or running the event. Everything is organized by volunteers and funded through participant registration fees, donations, and countless fundraising efforts throughout the year.

It is especially unfortunate because families paid for their graduates to enjoy the full experience, and many students who followed the rules did not receive that opportunity. This is also a very expensive event to provide, with significant costs associated with transportation, food, entertainment, and chartering a yacht.

We are taking this matter very seriously. The Board will be reviewing what occurred and addressing concerns with the families whose children were involved or are believed to have been involved. Our goal is to fully understand what happened and determine the best path forward.

As President, one of my greatest concerns is protecting the future of Project Graduation. This program has provided a safe, supervised graduation-night celebration for many years, and I will do everything within my power to ensure that it can continue for future graduating classes.

Again, I want to reassure everyone that no taxpayer funds were used for this event. Project Graduation exists because of the dedication of volunteers, generous donors, supportive families, and a community that believes in providing our graduates with a safe celebration on an important milestone in their lives.

Dear Graduates and Parents,
What should have been a memorable and celebratory evening ended in disappointment.
Throughout the night, a fairly large number of students made the choice to ignore the rules and expectations that were clearly communicated prior to the event. This included the blatant use of drugs in the presence of volunteer chaperones and members of the boat crew, behavior that showed a complete disregard for the safety of others and for the adults who volunteered their time to make this event possible.
In addition, behavior on the buses was unacceptable, and the manner in which some students spoke to chaperones, bus drivers, and others was disrespectful and disappointing. The adults who volunteered for this event did so because they care about you and wanted to provide a safe and memorable graduation celebration. They deserved to be treated with courtesy and respect.
A total of 109 graduates participated in Project Graduation. The majority of students conducted themselves appropriately and represented Del Val well. Unfortunately, the actions of approximately 15 participants overshadowed the positive behavior of the other students and negatively impacted the experience for everyone involved.
Project Graduation exists because parents, volunteers, school staff, transportation providers, and event venues are willing to trust our students and support this tradition. That trust was damaged last night. As a result of the behavior that occurred, the cruise was ended early, and there is a very real possibility that the actions of a few may jeopardize the future of Project Graduation for the students who come after you.
Graduation marks the beginning of adulthood. With adulthood comes accountability. The choices made during this event had consequences not only for the individuals involved, but for your classmates, the volunteers who worked tirelessly to organize the event, and potentially for future Del Val graduates as well.
This outcome is deeply disappointing. We hope those responsible will take time to reflect on the impact their actions had on others and on a tradition that has provided graduates with a safe celebration for many years.
To the vast majority of graduates who followed the rules, treated others with respect, and simply wanted to celebrate this milestone with their classmates, we thank you. It is unfortunate that your evening was affected by the poor choices of others. It is also unfortunate that the significant amount of money invested by senior parents, the funds spent by underclassmen on gifts, and the costs associated with food, transportation, and the event itself were largely wasted as a result of these actions.
Parents, now is an important time to discuss accountability and consequences with your children. Many of the individuals who chaperoned, volunteered their time, and invested in making this evening possible did not even have a graduating senior. They participated because they care about this tradition and about providing a safe and memorable experience for Del Val graduates. We encourage everyone to reflect on that commitment and the respect it deserved.
Sincerely,
Ann Marie Austin

We are about 28 min from DV. Eta 4:05

4 am pick up at Del Val

the crew and I had to make the uncomfortable and unfortunate decision to cancel this trip and turn the boat around. We are currently heading back to Port and docking at this moment. I will notify you all as we get about a half an hour from the school.

The graduates have boarded the bus and are on their way to Weehawkin!

🚌

🎓 Tonight is the BIG night! 🎓

Congratulations to all of our graduates! We are incredibly proud of each and every one of you and can’t wait to celebrate with you tonight.

And guess what? Your friends are still signing up! So be one of the cool kids and come hang out with us for one last unforgettable night together.

A few reminders:

✅ No bags permitted
✅ You do NOT need cash for anything on the boat
✅ All food and drinks are included
✅ Bring any prescribed emergency medications (EpiPens, inhalers, etc.)

Most importantly, bring:
✨ Your glowing personality
🕺 Your favorite dancing shoes
😊 Your best behavior
🎉 Your excitement for an amazing night

We will see you at 9:00 PM sharp in the Del Val cafeteria.

And yes… one last time, you have to come to school and ride the bus! 😂🚌

Let’s make some memories and celebrate the Class of 2026 in style! 💙💛

Project Graduation June 12 2026. Buy Tickets Here. 🎉 Please read our rules and regulations attached here before making your purchase.🎉

🚨

Ann Marie here:

If you did not complete all the questions on our online ticket purchasing or via our paper form . We assume that we are able to photograph your student and they have NO allergies. If I am assuming incorrectly please email us as soon as possible.

I would like to clarify with you that our menu is safe and we are free to photograph.

You can also text me (Ann Marie) at (908) 797-2980. I take safety, health and privacy very serious ❤️

Thank you!