Seniors party at Project Graduation
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For anyone who doesn’t know what Project Graduation is, it’s an all-night, alcohol and drug-free celebration for the graduating class. Project Graduation is in its 21st year in McMinnville.
The idea of providing a safe alternative to party hopping, keeping graduates off the roads and possibly avoiding an accident, was originally presented by the Drug Task Force in 1984.
“Usually graduation night is a night of celebration and some of the graduates may not make good decisions, but with this program, you know just where and what your child is doing,” said organizer Teresa Knowles. “Plus, it’s really neat to see the kids have fun. Every student who attends gets a custom-designed shirt, a disposable camera and a goody bag.”
Project Graduation fundraising started six month ago with senior parents meeting and designing a plan of action to produce a wonderful get-together for the students. Parents, students, friends and relatives participated in many fund-raising efforts, selling everything from candles to Dr Pepper products. Businesses in Warren County are solicited with different requests, from food at the party to trees and shrubs for the big nursery sale.
A car wash was held, many bake sales and a weekend of work went into a nursery sale. Needless to say, not many individuals or businesses are not touched by the Project Graduation movement. It is truly a county-wide endeavor, a point noticed and appreciated by parents and students.
“It takes a village to raise a child is a famous quote, and it takes an entire community to make this happen — from small business to large, it takes everyone,” said Knowles.
Seniors and their guest have every opportunity for a wonderful time at the party. Giant inflated games filled the gymnasium floor, students played games, cards, watched movies and ate from a smorgasbord of food. Area food providers and restaurants donated a variety of food to suit anyone’s palate.
Second Coming played a mini concert and the Sound Machine provided dance music.
The highlight of the night was the auction, consisting of items bought with Project Graduation funds. Auction items consisted of computers, printers, furniture, luggage sets, electronic items and much more. Students only earned points throughout the night by participating in the games, getting punches on cards that served as “money” for the auction. Many door prizes donated by area businesses and individuals and monetary gifts were given to students during the night.
When 6 a.m. rolled around, the tired, but safe students and parents, made their way home — probably to take a nap.