Six weeks from now, Austin High School seniors will party like it’s … 2009, which it is.

“Packer Pride — Shine in ‘09 New World, New Adventures” is the theme of the post-graduation, alcohol-free, lock-in party for members of the AHS senior class.

The party will be held following commencement exercises Friday, June 5. By then, Austin High School’s Ove Berven and Packers gyms, plus classrooms all around, will have been transformed into a combination amusement park, Las Vegas-style casino and shopping mall where everything a teen’s heart desires can be found.

At least, that’s the hope of parent volunteers, who are working hard to make it a night to remember both walking across a stage to accept a diploma and having fun with classmates afterwards.

The only gray cloud handing over an otherwise sunny outlook for the party is the economy; now blamed for a slowdown in sponsors’ giving.

“I think we’re a bit nervous about it,” admitted co-chairperson Cynthia Hernandez. “We’re not sure what the impact will be.”

Helping make up the slack for other sponsors is the addition of Walmart, Inc. The store opened in July 2008 and has been assisting the Project Graduation crew already.

It’s at least the 21st annual AHS Project Graduation party for seniors; more definite records are unknown.

Each spring, a new group of volunteers assume the responsibility of coordinating an event designed to keep graduating seniors safe on the most exciting night of their young lives.

Hernandez and Agnes Wahlert are co-chairs of the 2009 party steering committee. The volunteers are all parents of underclassmen.

“Believe me,” said Hernandez, “if you’re the parent of a graduating senior you don’t want to take on something like this at graduation-time.”

Twenty-six parent-volunteers have been meeting for three months to plan the 2009 party. Ten sub-committees are organized.

Everybody knows their jobs, and they have six weeks to complete them and only two more meetings to assess how well they are doing, according to Hernandez and Wahlert.

The steering committee met Sunday night in the family room at St. Edward’s Catholic Church.

Tickets for the June 5 party went on sale Monday at Austin High School for an “early bird” discount. After two weeks at $40 per ticket, the price goes up to $50 until June 5 when it jumps to $60.

In addition to AHS graduates, Pacelli Catholic High School seniors are invited as well as those graduates who were home-schooled.

According to Wahlert, the intent is to make it as inclusive a party as possible.

“I think it’s really important to have a safe, supervised environment for the kids,” said Hernandez.

Years ago, parent-volunteers called it the “first reunion” for AHS graduates.

This year, 280 young men and women are expected to make the walk across the Riverside Arena commencement stage in front of parents, other family members and relatives, friends and others.

For those who have been together since kindergarten, it could be a very emotional experience. Coming together so soon after accepting a diploma-ticket to the future makes it a reunion-like event.

“I’m sure it’s an evening full of reminiscing about the previous four years at least,” said Wahlert.

One thing is certain, the parent-volunteers, thanks to the help of generous sponsors, are doing their best to organize an enjoyable overnight party.

There will be theme rooms: New Orleans, Asia, USA. There will be a massage therapist, karaoke, hypnotist.

Micro-racing and dozens of other activities.

There will be food and refreshments throughout the evening.

There will be prizes. The intent is that no graduate leave the party without prizes.

The top ones will include a Dell laptop computer, XBox360, mountain bikes, tent, Twins baseball game tickets, gift certificates and more.

A “Shop and Share” weekend, April 24-26, at Hy-Vee Food Store in Austin will help the volunteers raise money for the party’s expenses.

The intent of Hernandez and Wahlert is simple. “I would just like to see as many kids as possible come together and have a good time at graduation,” said Hernandez.

The number of AHS graduates, who attend the post-commencement party increased once again last year to 72 percent of the graduating class members participating in commencement.

“The numbers are going up,” insisted Wahlert, who said this year’s volunteers are doing what they can make the party a bilingual event.

Anyone interested in helping ensure the 2009 post-graduation party is a success or in making a donation may call Hernandez at 434-2363 or Wahlert at 434-9359 for more information.