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By DANIELLE CAPALBO

Villager Staff Writer


WILTON -- At this year's post-graduation party, freshly-minted alumni from Wilton High School will be greeted with a dose of virtual reality.

Dubbed iGrad, the party -- a time-honored tradition in the district -- has been designed to mimic the sleek, streamlined world of social networking.

"It's a more empowered person coming out of this generation," said Karl Maruyama, co-chair of the Decorating Committee who pulled cues from Apple and Facebook while brainstorming the concept.

"The whole idea was, instead of focusing on the kiddie aspects of their lives, let's push more to the grown-up side."

All in all, a handful of parent committees, the Wilton Youth Council and hundreds of volunteers collaborated to fund, plan and execute iGrad. Until last week, the theme -- like always -- was shrouded in suspense-building secrecy.

"(It) provides our seniors and families with an opportunity to celebrate graduation in a fun, festive, and safe atmosphere," said Principal Timothy Canty.

Planning for the party began last year and will culminate Saturday, June 19, following Wilton High School's graduation. Leftover proceeds benefit the WYC.

The party will take place at Middlebrook School from 10:30 p.m. Saturday to 5:30 the following morning. Members of the public can view the layout Saturday before the party kicks off.

While themes past have relied on elaborate props and hand-painted scenery, iGrad eschews the ephemera for atmospheric lighting, special effects and minimalist decor. The end-goal: to transform Middlebrook School into a digital playground. Some of the flooring panels have even been colored "Facebook Blue," Maruyama said.

"It's a big departure from years past," he said.

More than pulling from the aesthetics of the digital world, the party will borrow some of its functions, too. The Decorating Committee constructed a real-life Facebook wall, for instance, where students can record their thoughts throughout the night.

In the iWas room, photo slideshows will flash across the screens of Apple computers in a faux-Genius Bar. Local photographer Jan Cobb will host professional portrait sessions in the iSnap room -- a nod at Apple's Photobooth. Closed-circuit televisions will project scenes from the rest of the party to students decompressing in the Starbucks-sponsored iChill cafe.

"It's a bold new experiment," Maruyama said.

Though planning for the party ostensibly began last year, Lee Ann Schneider, who co-chaired all the parents involved, said the process starts in middle school with Wilton Class Projects.

Guided by the WYC, the class projects foster a sense of parent involvement and give rise to fundraisers and substance-free activities. Starting in 7th grade, the class project culminates with the post-graduation party -- a chance to pull out all the stops.

"We are grateful to our parent community for the time and effort they dedicate to plan, organize, and host this event," Canty said.

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