Graduation is a pivotal milestone in every student's life, marking the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and dedication. Yet for many underserved high school seniors in Franklin County, the cost of a cap and gown can become an unexpected barrier to fully participating in this once-in-a-lifetime moment.

At Celebrating One, we believe no student should miss walking across the stage because of financial hardship.

The Cap the Gap Initiative is a focused effort within our broader No Grad Left Behind program, created to eliminate financial barriers and ensure every senior can graduate with dignity and pride.

🌟 Reflecting on 2025: A Foundation of Impact

In 2025, our community came together in an incredible way. Through generous donations, we raised $1,375 and were able to purchase 14 caps and gowns for students in need.

Fourteen students walked proudly across the stage because of you.

While we celebrate that achievement, we recognize the need is much greater. Many more students continue to face financial hardship each graduation season.

🎯 Our 2026 Goal

From September 1 – December 31, 2026, we are relaunching the Cap the Gap Initiative as part of the No Grad Left Behind program with renewed commitment and expanded vision.

Our goal:
💛 Raise $20,000
🎓 Provide 150 caps and gowns for low-income high school seniors in Franklin County

We invite donors to sponsor a student for $100, or give any amount that feels meaningful. Every contribution moves us closer to ensuring no senior is left out of their graduation ceremony.

Project Objectives

📚 Promote Educational Equity

Graduation should be an inclusive celebration where every student—regardless of economic status—can participate fully. By providing caps and gowns through the Cap the Gap Initiative, we eliminate visible financial disparities and ensure students stand equal on graduation day.

🤝 Enhance Community Engagement

This initiative is about more than attire—it is about unity. Through the No Grad Left Behind program, we rally individuals, families, and local businesses to demonstrate their commitment to educational equity and community solidarity.

🚀 Encourage Academic Motivation

Milestones matter. When students are celebrated, they are inspired. Ensuring full participation in graduation encourages students to continue pursuing higher education, career goals, and lifelong success.

Why a Cap & Gown Matters

💛 Emotional Well-Being

Graduation is a powerful affirmation of achievement. Wearing a cap and gown symbolizes perseverance and success. It fosters belonging, pride, and confidence—especially for students who have overcome significant challenges.

🧠 Mental Health

Financial stress can weigh heavily on students and families. Removing the burden of purchasing graduation attire alleviates anxiety and allows students to focus on celebrating their accomplishments.

🎓 Physical Presence & Participation

Some students consider skipping graduation due to financial hardship. By removing this barrier through the Cap the Gap Initiative, we ensure every senior can be physically present, celebrated, and recognized among their peers.

The Power of Community Support

The success of the No Grad Left Behind program—and its Cap the Gap Initiative—depends on collective action.

When we come together:

We affirm that every student matters.
We invest in the future workforce and leadership of Franklin County.
We demonstrate that our community stands behind its youth.

Every donation—large or small—creates meaningful impact.

How You Can Help

✔ Sponsor a student for $100
✔ Make a one-time or recurring donation
✔ Share the campaign with your network
✔ Encourage local businesses to partner with us

If 200 people give $100, we exceed our goal.
If 400 people give $50, we expand our reach even further.

Together, small acts create transformative change.

💬 A Question for Our Community

How can we continue to support our youth and ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed?
What role will you play in making sure no graduate is left behind this year?

❤️ Join Us

The Cap the Gap Initiative, part of the No Grad Left Behind program, is more than a fundraiser—it is a commitment to dignity, equity, and celebration for every senior.

Your donation, no matter the size, matters.

Together, we can ensure that every student in Franklin County walks across the stage with pride.

Thank you for believing in our students.

Jurgita Fumo & Celebrating One Team

Cap the Gap Initiative 2026 - No Grad Left Behind

By Celebrating One

Cap the Gap Initiative 2026 - No Grad Left Behind

Closing the Financial Gap So Every Senior Can Walk the Stage with Pride and Dignity 🎓