For the third consecutive year, Mayor Martin and the Hamilton Township Division of Health have granted funding to the Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) of each high school in the Hamilton Township School District to support their Project Graduation and After Prom celebrations for the graduating class of 2025.

This funding was made possible by a grant received by the Hamilton Township Division of Health from the New Jersey Association of County and City Health Officials (NJACCHO) and the National Opioid Settlement Program. The funds will be utilized to support health-related activities throughout the Township, including the After Prom and Project Graduation events, which encourage drug and alcohol-free options for graduating students. Each PTA will receive $5,000 in grant funding this year. 

The After Prom and Project Graduation events were created out of parents' desire to provide safe alternatives for their children, allowing them to create lasting memories with their classmates before graduation. These events have become a cherished tradition in the community. A couple of presidents from the high school PTAs, who are also parents of current students, were thrilled to hear about the additional funding for senior year celebrations. They expressed their sincere gratitude to Mayor Martin and the Division of Health.

Karen Bernet, the PTA President of Nottingham High School and parent, shared her appreciation for the grant: "Nottingham's Post Prom was a huge success this year! More than 225 Northstars and some of their dates went to the Funplex to safely celebrate the end of their senior year. Students were greeted at the entrance with unlimited play cards for the night. They enjoyed BBQ treats, ice cream, and chips, and experienced both outdoor and indoor attractions. Other activities included bowling, laser tag, go-kart driving, and mini-golf. Everyone had a blast! We are so happy to provide this opportunity to our students and are thankful for the grant, which helps keep this tradition alive."

Steinert High School's Senior Events & After Prom Committee expressed gratitude to the Township of Hamilton Division of Health for awarding the grant, which will support their main event, the After-Prom Party, a decades long tradition and held at Steinert where they completely transform the school into an event to remember, allowing the students to continue to celebrate and make memories with their friends and classmates in a safe, substance free space. Steinert PTA President and parent Jennifer Brier says, "The Committee is organized for the purpose of supporting the Steinert student body in making good choices throughout the year regarding substance abuse, alcohol awareness, safety awareness, and safe driving habits. Prom is an exciting event, but it can also be risky for inexperienced drivers — especially if alcohol is involved…With the support of Hamilton Twp., the Steinert administration, teachers, and parents, we have become successful at guiding our students to meet the challenges they are faced with.”

The Township of Hamilton is committed to continually finding ways to support graduating seniors and celebrate their achievements through various events. Mayor Martin stated, "We are thankful once again for the chance to provide grant funds for such a worthy cause. The senior year is an important milestone, and the Township is devoted to ensuring that it remains a memorable and safe experience for our students and parents."

Learn more about the Hamilton Division of Health and programs by visiting our website, HamiltonNJ.com/Health.