Cougar Boosters was proud to support Midnight Madness 2026 with a $5,000 grant, helping continue one of CHS’s most beloved graduation traditions. More than 400 graduating seniors participated in this substance-free, phone-free celebration, including nearly 100 students who received scholarship tickets.

The evening kicked off with the beloved SOMA bus parade, as thousands of community members lined the streets of Maplewood and South Orange to cheer on the Class of 2026. From there, graduates headed to the evening’s secret destination—Iron Peak Sports & Events—where they spent the night rock climbing, dancing, playing basketball, volleyball and pickleball, tackling a ropes course, bowling, playing games, and simply enjoying one last night together as a class.

Midnight Madness gives CHS graduates a safe, inclusive and incredibly fun way to celebrate this milestone together. Cougar Boosters was thrilled to help make this unforgettable night possible—and to invest in an event that brings together our students, families and the entire SOMA community.

Cougar Boosters was proud to support the Columbia High School Scholarship Fund (CHSSF) during a banner year for the organization. CHSSF awarded an all-time high of $290,000 in scholarships to 165 CHS seniors and graduates, helping students continue their education at two- and four-year colleges and universities, trade and technical schools, and graduate programs.

Our contribution helped fund the Red and Black Scholarship, providing direct financial support to CHS graduates as they take their next steps. Because CHSSF recipients can reapply each year as they continue their education, these scholarships can have an impact well beyond a student’s first year after Columbia.

Most importantly, this support makes a real difference for CHS students:

“Thank you so much for awarding me the Red and Black Scholarship from CHSSF! This will greatly help my college funding while studying nursing at St. Olaf College, and I am so grateful. I do plan on pursuing my master’s after completing my four years at St. Olaf, so this is helping me get an amazing start. Thank you again!”