Fueled by burritos and iced coffees, Minneapolis Southwest High School's 340 seniors celebrated graduation last week with the now-standard fare of all-night festivities: casino games, karaoke, a hypnotist and henna tattoos.
But in a corner room, away from the games and blaring pop music, a small group found a quiet escape, tying fleece blankets and making care packages for a children's home.
Similar volunteer projects are the latest fast-spreading addition to all-night school parties that have evolved over the years to include, at some schools, car giveaways and even trips to Disney World.
Now parents are coaxing graduating seniors to mix fun at the final bash with one last dose of altruism.
"It sends out a message that it's not always just about the party," Rosemount parent Teri Temple said. "You can have fun and give back, too."
Eden Prairie, Rosemount and Edina high schools have included giving back at locked-in, drug-free overnight parties for years.
Last year Shakopee added a service project. This year, Minneapolis Southwest, Apple Valley and Stillwater high schools added them to their final festivities.
"I decided there was no place you couldn't do a service project," said Welcome Jerde, a Minneapolis parent and founder of a local service nonprofit. "It's about being together with your friends and having a good time. [But] it's a time they can also give of themselves."