Years of classwork were over and so was the “Pomp and Circumstance,” thus Lawrence’s newest high school graduates were ready to party Sunday night.

More than 600 from Lawrence and Free State high schools, Lawrence Alternative High School and Bishop Seabury Academy were predicted to show up at The Granada, 1020 Mass., to pull one last all-nighter.

But this time there were no textbooks, and staying awake until the party, dubbed Project Graduation, ended at 4 a.m. today was not expected to be a problem.

One of those who planned to make it through the night was Pearl Bloom, 18, a Free State graduate who plans to attend Kansas University next fall.

“I’m going to stay,” Bloom said, as she waited outside at the front of a growing line shortly before The Granada’s doors opened. “I just want to hang out.”

Lawrence High School graduate Liz Kincaid, left, and Free State graduate Lena Fox chat outside The Granada, 1020 Mass., before the start of Project Graduation. The party, chaperoned by parents, was from 11 p.m. Sunday to 4 a.m. today for 2003 graduates of Lawrence high schools.

The graduates, who received their diplomas during ceremonies Sunday afternoon, spent the night dancing, playing games, eating and socializing in the annual alcohol- and drug-free event. Parents from all of the schools were chaperones.

Brian Jones, 19, saw the night as one of his last chances to party with friends before he joined the Navy. He said he was in the process of enlisting and hoped to be gone by September.

“This is a time when everybody from all of the schools can get together and have a good time,” Jones said. “Nobody holds any grudges — nobody cares anymore.”

Partygoers mingle during the event's early hours.

Jonathan Affalter, 19, an LHS graduate, was ready to put away the books before returning to the classroom next fall at Baker University.

“I’m just going to have fun tonight and maybe win some of the prizes,” he said. “I’ve been drinking a lot of soda today for the caffeine.”

All of the graduates received commemorative T-shirts donated by Gene Fritzel Construction, Stephens Real Estate and University National Bank. Every 30 minutes prizes were awarded. The Journal-World and DCCCA donated $500 in scholarships. Local restaurants provided the food.

The grand prize at the end of the party was a drawing for a used 1992 Honda donated by Ellena Honda, 2957 Four Wheel Drive.

¢ Graduation photo gallery¢ Grads cap off celebrations¢ Free State High School Class of 2003¢ Lawrence High School Class of 2003¢ See more graduation stories