Greetings, Senior Parents, Guardians, and Families!
As we move further into 2026, and all the graduation milestones start coming into focus, we wanted to share with you some important information 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.
So, what is 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, to give you a frame of reference.
How does it 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 will not go hungry.)
Once everyone has checked in and boarded the buses, the bus 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 YOU do?
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?
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.
How do we do this?
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 can you help?
There are several ways you can help, and the HSA will reach out about specifics. But we want you to know about a few things you can be on the lookout for:
Flocking - You can order a flock of flamingos (aka a flamboyance!) to honor your senior. Volunteers will deliver a group of colorful flamingos, along with a sign of congratulations, 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.
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.
Sponsor Midnight Madness - If you have a business, know local business owners, or just want to sponsor Midnight Madness as an individual or family, the HSA wants to hear from you! Please look for information about sponsorship and donation opportunities.
How can you learn more?
Visit the HSA’s Midnight Madness website, where you can learn about all things related to MM! You can also follow Midnight Madness on Instagram at @chs_mm.
If you want to volunteer, donate, or order flocks, lawn signs, etc., keep an eye out for HSA emails and the weekly newsletter.
Thanks so much for your support, and for trusting us with your soon-to-be graduates.
Cheers!
Leslie, Adena, and Jamie
HSA Midnight Madness Chairs (and fellow Senior moms!)
Questions? midnightmadness@columbiahsa.com
