Moana Llanto And Project Grad

Wednesday - October 26, 2011
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Photo courtesy Moana Llanto

Each spring, as high school seniors across the state eagerly gear up for graduation, parents are left to worry about what happens after the caps and gowns come off. Statistics have show that high school graduation night can be extremely dangerous because of an increased use of drugs and alcohol at grad parties.

In order to provide students with a safe celebratory experience, a number of schools now participate in Project Graduation events, in which students are whisked away for substance-free fun.

Leilehua High School’s Project Graduation committee, which is made up of a dedicated group of parents, is currently working to raise funds for the Leilehua seniors’ grad night. As a fundraiser, Leilehua is partnering with Dole Plantation to create the first ever Dole Plantation Haunted Maze, which kicked off Oct. 21 and runs through Oct. 31.

“We are trying to work within the theme of ‘old Hawaii,’ past and present,” says Moana Llanto (pictured above, seated in center), Leilehua Project Grad’s co-treasurer. The event will take you through the twists and turns of the world’s largest maze, and will feature haunted hula dancers, spooky sounds and ghostly plantation workers lurking around each corner. “It will have a very eerie feel,” Llanto says. It is familyfriendly, but children age 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Llanto, who is spearheading the Haunted Maze, decided to get involved with Project Grad earlier this year because her son is a senior. “I just want to ensure that my son and his friends can live one more night and enjoy their grad night,” she explains.

The Haunted Maze continues from 6 to 10 nightly until Halloween.

Tickets are $15, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit either Leilehua or Waialua High School. Waialua also has been participating in the event, and has been the beneficiary from Oct. 21 until tonight. Starting tomorrow, Leilehua will receive a portion of the ticket sales. A limited number of tickets are available at the door. Call Moana at 220-6924 for advance tickets. For more information, visit doleplantation.com.