AMHERST -- High-school graduation is a special time in the lives of thousands of young people throughout the Souhegan Valley, but it's also a time of great potential distress and tragedy.

To counteract that possibility, for the past two years Souhegan High School has offered a post-graduation party alternative.

This year a group of seniors' parents has made plans to hold an after-graduation party at the Merrimack YMCA. Some 30-plus parents have made arrangements with the YMCA to host an all-night party that will include a variety of activities, including a DJ, dancing, a magician/comedian/illusionist, a bounce house, jousting, photo booth, obstacle course and other games.

"The kids need something to do to keep them away from drugs and alcohol. This is a great concept to accomplish that," said Luisa Tassen, who chairs the senior parent committee that is planning the all-night party.

The idea of a senior party began in 2006. It stemmed from a senior project by a Souhegan student who in 2006 wrote an essay

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about alternative parties that have been popular in other parts of the country, but not so popular in New Hampshire.

Senior parents plan the affair. Parents of juniors serve as chaperones. In doing that, they learn what it takes to plan a similar party when their sons and daughters turn seniors, Tassan said.

The planning began in February, and it culminated in the decision to hold the all-nighter at the Merrimack YMCA. The planning committee is seeking donations from the community. Last year, more than 50 percent of all graduating seniors participated, and Tassan is hoping for more participation this spring.

Graduation is scheduled for June 13 at 5 p.m. Students participating in the all-nighter will be bused to the Merrimack YMCA after graduation, and will return to the school the next day at 6 a.m.

One senior thinks the idea is a good one. "I think the idea is great," said Aislinn McNamara, a Souhegan senior who serves on the prom committee. "A lot of seniors want to end the year on a good note, don't want to go to private parties, and just want to have some fun." McNamara, whose senior project is a work that involves the negative affects on women and body image, plans on enrolling at the Coastal Carolina University. She said the idea of a drug-free party is attractive.

The Project Graduation committee is only at 34 percent of its goal in fundraising. Tassan said donations are welcome. Any business can donate to the cause by contacting Karen Urbanik at 603-673-1208, or send checks made payable to Souhegan PTSA, tax ID 02-0459814 (charitable tax deductions), to Urbanik at 9 Candlewood Dr., Amherst, 03031.