There’s a lot that goes into graduation night that most people never see.
The caps and gowns get the attention: the ceremony, the photos, the big moment on stage. But behind the scenes, there’s a group of parents working for months to make sure the night doesn’t just end there.
Sarah Brown is one of those parents this year. She’s part of the team behind Marshfield Project Graduation, a group that quietly takes on one big job every year. Give seniors a safe place to celebrate, together, after it’s all over.
“It’s really just the senior parents stepping up,” Brown said. “Each year, a new group comes in and takes it on.”
The goal is to raise somewhere between $45,000 and $50,000. That number isn’t random. That’s what it takes to cover everything tied to Project Graduation.
The night itself is the biggest piece. But it’s not the only one.
The group pays for senior work day shirts when students head out into the community to volunteer. They also bring in a photographer on graduation day so every student gets a good picture — something parents often can’t manage from the stands.
“It’s something they’ll have forever,” Brown said. “That part means a lot.”
Still, the heart of it all comes after the ceremony ends.
For years, the tradition has been simple. Keep the kids together. Keep them safe. Give them somewhere to go that doesn’t involve bad decisions on a night that should be remembered for the right reasons.
“You don’t want something to happen after all the work they’ve put in,” Brown said. “This gives them a place to be.”
And it’s more than just safety. In a town like Marshfield, these students have grown up together. Some have known each other since preschool. Graduation night is one of the last times they’ll all be in the same place at the same time.
“It’s kind of their last night just to be kids together,” she said.
This year, that night will take place at Andy B’s.
The plan is to bus students there after graduation and let them take over the place for several hours. Bowling, games, food, and those puzzle-style escape rooms where you try to figure your way out.
“They’ll have the run of it,” Brown said. “Food, drinks, games. Just fun.”
It’s all covered. No cost to the students.
When the night wraps up, buses bring the students back to the school. Parents are usually waiting with snacks for the ride home. It’s simple, but it fits.
The whole thing is built around taking care of the kids.
Getting there takes a lot of work.
Fundraisers run all year long. Some are pretty familiar. Cherry limeade sales at games. A big community garage sale where families donate items and help run it.
Then there are the larger events.
One of the biggest this year is the Marshfield Project Graduation Golf Tournament. Brown has been helping organize it along with her husband, Justin Brown, and others in the group.
They’re still looking for players.
“We’d love to fill the course,” she said. “That’s 36 teams. We’re not there yet.”
The tournament is being handled a little differently this year. Instead of cash payouts, winners will receive commemorative coins and other prizes. That keeps it in line with school activity rules so student athletes can participate.
“That was important to us,” Brown said. “We want the kids to be able to play, too.”
Another big effort is tied to the Cherry Blossom Festival, set for April 24 and 25. Project Graduation volunteers are handling vendor setup and helping manage things throughout the event.
It’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work. Getting vendors registered. Helping them find their spots. Answering questions. Cleaning up.
“If we do it right, it could be something future classes keep doing,” Brown said.
There’s also a car show planned during the festival. Like everything tied to Project Graduation, it’s another way the community chips in.
“There are around 250 seniors,” Brown said. “But the group actually doing the work is a lot smaller.”
On a good night, maybe 30 parents show up to meetings. Most of the time, it’s a core group carrying the load.
“We could always use more help,” she said.
That help doesn’t have to come from parents alone. Students can pitch in, too. Groups like National Honor Society can use the hours toward their service requirements.
At the end of the year, the current group hands everything over. Files, plans, contacts. Even money.
The goal is to leave about $5,000 in the account so the next class has a starting point.
For Brown, it’s something she’s done before. She helped when her oldest son graduated. Now she’s back doing it again for her youngest.
And like most parents involved, she doesn’t make a big deal out of it.
“It’s just something you do,” she said. “It matters.”
Anyone wanting to follow along or get involved can find updates on the Marshfield Project Graduation Facebook page for the Class of 2026. That’s where meeting times, fundraisers, and volunteer needs are posted.
Because when graduation night comes, all that quiet work adds up.
And for the students, it turns into one last night they won’t forget.
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