As the end of the school year approaches for students in Fairfax County, parents and seniors from McLean and Langley High School are in the midst of final preparations for their all-night-graduation parties tonight.

The parties are offered every year as an opportunity for seniors to partake in an alcohol and drug-free graduation night. Participating seniors can expect entertainment, food, games, raffles and prizes.

The parties will take place at each respective high school starting at 11 p.m. on the night of graduation and ending at 5 a.m. on June 15.

 “The Parent-Teacher-Student Association hosts the ANGP each year to offer a safe, controlled, drug-free, alcohol-free and fun alternative to celebrating on the night of graduation as a reward to the graduating senior class,” said Langley ANGP chair Beccie Collier.

This year’s party theme for McLean is inspired by the CBS reality show “Survivor,” with a slogan coined as, “Outwit, outplay, outlast.” Students will find a casino, hypnotist, inflatable Twister-style game, photo booth, and surf machine among other activities.

“I am mostly excited about being with all of the seniors for the last time, and aside from all the fun activities going on, I think it's more about enjoying our last high school function together,” said McLean High School senior Ramsey Hakki.

Langley’s theme revolves around the 2012 London Olympics. Collier expects a normal attendance of about 500 seniors and anticipates that over 200 parent volunteers will be needed to set up, chaperone, and clean up before the start of the next school day for juniors, sophomores and freshmen.

The parties have been held at various locations in the past, including venues like Dave & Buster’s and Tysons Corner’s Sport & Health Club, but according to Collier and McLean’s ANGP co-chair Joanne Hardison, having it at the schools is safer and more convenient.

“We know that having our ANGP at school makes it easier for more students to come. Parents are also sometimes more comfortable having their seniors party in a familiar place through the night,” Hardison said.

Ticket prices have been raised but are still on sale for both parties. McLean’s tickets are $65 and Langley’s are $55.

If you would like to contribute, donate or have any questions for either school, contact McLean’s co-chairs Joanne Hardison at joannehardison@gmail.com or Langley’s chair Beccie Collier at BeccieCollier@cox.net. Donations are tax-deductible and will only be used towards the enjoyment of the students.