FAQ: Midnight Madness, Flocking & Senior Signs

As we move further into 2026, and all the graduation milestones start coming into focus, we wanted to answer some of the most frequent questions about one of our longest-standing traditions for the senior class: Midnight Madness. This CHS HSA-sponsored celebration has been a hallmark of Columbia High School graduation for over 35 years, and we’re proud that our seniors have a safe way to mark their last night as a class.

MIDNIGHT MADNESS 

Midnight Madness, sometimes known as “Project Graduation” in other towns, is the CHS tradition of whisking away the graduating class on a substance- and phone-free mystery overnight adventure on graduation night. The location is a closely-kept secret, but the HSA always plans an exciting, inclusive event that offers something for everyone. The goal is to have the whole class attend, and we hope the Class of 2026 will be no exception! Some of the past locations have been RPM Raceway, American Dream mall, Fairview Lakes camp, and a NYC harbor cruise.

‣ How does Midnight Madness work?

On June 17th, your senior will attend graduation at Codey Arena, and then typically take photos outside the arena with family and friends. After a quick stop home to change clothes and drop off diplomas (and phones!), your child will head over to CHS to check in and start the celebration. 

Please note: Midnight Madness check-in starts at ~8:30 PM, so there’s no time for a family dinner after graduation. (Kids will get lots of food on the bus and at the venue, so they definitely won't go hungry.)

Once everyone has checked in and boarded the buses, the buses parade through the streets of Maplewood and South Orange with flashing lights, sirens, and excited kids screaming out the windows as they head to the surprise location to party all night! They will return to CHS around 4:00 AM. All buses and students depart and return together.

There will be space at the venue for kids who need to take a break from all the action, or are looking for a quieter Midnight Madness experience. Last year, the HSA also provided a “quiet bus” for those with noise sensitivities and plans to do that again, if there’s interest.

‣ So, what do Senior parents do that night? 

After making sure your child gets to CHS on time, all parents, guardians, and family members are invited to attend one of the “anchor parties” in South Orange or Maplewood. A local restaurant/bar in each town will typically sponsor these parties, welcoming families to have dinner, drinks, and to cheer on the bus parade as it makes its way through town.

‣ How much does it cost? What if I need financial assistance?

The destination is a secret, but every year the HSA “goes big” and takes grads to a cool location with lots of all-night activities, food, and fun! The actual cost is about twice as much as the ticket price, which has historically been around $100. BUT... the HSA’s goal is to minimize cost for ALL seniors, and to ensure that everyone can attend, regardless of ability to pay. Scholarships are available for ANY senior whose family needs support with the ticket price, and requests are kept confidential.

Fundraising efforts for Midnight Madness started in August and continue throughout the year. Some of the fundraisers you may know about are those “famous” senior milestones like Flocking (those pink flamingos on the lawn!), CHS merch, and personalized Senior lawn signs. Midnight Madness also relies on the generosity of local businesses, municipal alliances, and CHS Cougar Boosters, as well as donations from families.

‣ Phone-free? Really?!

YES! We encourage students to leave their phones at home or in their cars, but we can also keep them in a secure location during the event if they need them immediately after the event. If your child needs their phone for medical reasons, that can be arranged, and they will have special permission.

‣ How does my senior register for Midnight Madness? 
We'll fundraise our hearts out until May, and then set a ticket price. The registration link will be shared through emails, social media, and this website.

‣ Other questions about Midnight Madness? midnightmadness@columbiahsa.com 

SENIOR FLOCKING

You can order a flock of flamingos (aka a flamboyance!) to honor your senior. In the dark of night, a team of parent "flockers" will deliver a festive group of colorful flamingos to your senior’s front yard. After a few days, the birds and sign fly on to their next location. The goal is to flock every senior, and financial assistance is available.

‣ What if you (or your senior) do NOT want to be flocked?
Simple. Fill out this flocking opt-out form, and we'll make sure the birds don't land on your property. If you DO NOT want a flock, it's important to do this, just in case someone orders a flock in your student's name. 

‣ Do I order a flock for my own senior?
Yes! Flocking originated as a fundraiser where students and families surprised a friend or neighbor with a flock, who then paid a "ransom" to have the birds removed. Over the years, though, CHS Flocking has evolved into a tradition with the goal of celebrating every senior, so the ordering process has evolved as well. The "surprise!" factor is still there ... when will your flock arrive?! You'll find out when you look out the window one morning this spring!

‣ Can I still flock someone else? 
We encourage CHS families to donate a flock, because every order raises money for Midnight Madness and allows us to flock students who have requested financial assistance. There's an option on the order form to contribute to the Flocking Fund. 

‣ Can my senior be flocked more than once?
No. Flocking season is mid-March through early June ... almost 500 seniors in the Class of 2026 ... you can do that math! Once a senior has been flocked, any additional orders in their name will be donated to another flock. 

‣ I need financial assistance. Can I order a flock? 
Absolutely. Senior flocking is a fundraiser, but it's also a celebration of our students, so we encourage everyone who would like a flock to request one, regardless of ability to pay. We'll need your address and permission to place a flock on your property, so please fill out this assistance form to be added to the flocking list. 

‣ Flocking that many seniors sounds like a lot of work. Can I help?
Yes!! Volunteering as a parent flocker is a ton of fun (and the slightly inappropriate flocking humor never gets old). Grab some friends and form a team, or we can match you up with a group — please fill our volunteer interest form. It's a great opportunity to create your own senior year core memories! 

ORDER & DONATE

 Other questions about flocking? seniorflocking@columbiahsa.com

SENIOR LAWN SIGNS

You can order a personalized CHS Class of 2026 lawn sign for your senior to display in the spring before, during, and after graduation. All signs are 18" x 24" and come with lawn stakes. Again, the goal is to provide a sign for every senior, and financial assistance is available. — $35 per sign

‣ When will Senior Signs be ready? 
Early June. We'll announce pick-up dates later this spring, usually during lunch periods, after school, and one weekend day. 

‣ Can I donate a sign? 
Definitely. Just like flocking, we encourage CHS families to donate to the Senior Sign Fund, which allows us to order personalized signs for more students who want one and raise funds for Midnight Madness.

‣ I need financial assistance. Can I request a sign? 
Yes! We want every senior to feel recognized, so financial assistance is available. We'll need your senior's preferred first name to order their personalized sign; please fill out this assistance form if you would like to request a free sign. 

ORDER & DONATE

 Other questions about signs? seniorsigns@columbiahsa.com 

Cheers to the CHS Class of 2026!