what is midnight madness?

Midnight Madness has been a Columbia High School tradition for over 35 years, whisking away the graduating class to a substance- and phone-free mystery overnight adventure on the night of graduation. The Midnight Madness destination is a closely kept secret, so we can’t tell you where the Class of 2025 is headed, but previous venues have included Fairview Lakes Camp, American Dream, the Jersey Shore, and a NYC Harbor cruise. This year will prove to be just as spectacular!

For the Class of 2025, Midnight Madness happens on June 18th.

CHECK IN: Shortly after the commencement festivities end at Codey Arena, just as the sun begins to set, the Midnight Madness celebration begins. Every registered student will come to CHS for the official check-in, board their assigned bus, and leave their phones behind.

BUS PARADE: Every year the buses transporting our brand-new graduates to Midnight Madness parade through the streets of Maplewood and South Orange with flashing lights, sirens, and throngs of well-wishers cheering them on. It's a joyous journey! Finally, the buses drive off to the TOP SECRET VENUE for a party the Class of 2025 will remember for a lifetime.

SEND-OFF PARTY: Once the buses depart, parents and friends will convene at one of two SOMA bar/restaurant locations—our Send-off Party Sponsors (St. James's Gate in Maplewood, Felina Steak in South Orange)—to attend the official gathering and send-off party. It’s a celebration for the rest of us while the newly minted grads are off on their overnight adventure.

ALMOST SUNRISE RETURN: After the festivities, around 4-5 am, the buses return with the exhausted and exhilarated CHS grads. Parents and Guardians arrive to pick up the kids at CHS.

That journey begins long before June, though. All year long, fundraising efforts help minimize the cost for our Class of 2025 graduates as they revel in their final moments of high school. Midnight Madness puts the FUN in fundraising: pink flamingos, CHS merchandise, senior lawn signs ... it's all designed to celebrate our senior class while raising money to fund an epic experience.

Do you have a local business? It's not too late to join this list of amazing SOMA business and become a Midnight Madness 2025 Sponsor for as little as $150!

registration | now open!

Don't miss an unforgettable adventure!

Registration is now open. $100 per person. Please register by Friday 6/13.

Every CHS Senior is invited, no matter their ability to pay the registration fee. If you'd like to help us make Midnight Madness accessible to all students, please consider sponsoring a student ... it's easy to donate on the registration page. And, if you need financial assistance, there's an option to request it when you register.

TICKETS

SENIOR FLOCKING | ENDING SOON!

Orders closed on Monday, May 5th.

Another fun Midnight Madness fundraiser is surprising our seniors with a flock of flamingos that appear in their front yard overnight. After a few days, the birds will fly away to visit another senior's home.

Our volunteer teams have delivered all of this year's flocks. If a flock didn't visit your house, but you think it should have, please reach out the flocking team right away.

If you have questions, please email chsflockingseniors@gmail.com.

senior lawn signs | pick up 6/2-6/4

CELEBRATE YOUR SENIOR WITH A CLASS OF 2025 LAWN SIGN!

Personalized Lawn Sign orders closed April 6th.

Pre-ordered personalized Class of 2025 lawn signs are here!

Mon 6/2, Tues 6/3 & Thurs 6/4
CHS Cafeteria
Periods 7, 8 & 9

Not sure if you ordered? Check your email for a confirmation from Cheddar Up.

Missed ordering? You can still order a fill-in-your-own-name sign here for $35.

Our goal is for everyone who wants to celebrate their graduating student with a Senior Sign to have one. If you did not order a sign because you need financial assistance, please reach out to mm@columbiahsa.com.