Published: May 01, 2008 11:14 am            

Graduation project for seniors big hit

Danie M. Huffman

wdreporter2@yahoo.com

Every year, seniors wrestle with decisions. Graduation night is no different for many. They ask themselves and their peers what they will be doing the night they celebrate their transformation from student to adult.

Project Graduation offers a safe alternative to seniors from a night of trouble, drugs and drinking to having a good time in a supervised, but fun environment.

The event will be held from 10 p.m. until Tuesday at 5:30 a.m. Monday, June 2. after the graduation ceremony.

Kathryn Manning, event coordinator, said the event was formed to encourage a drug- and alcohol-free celebration. 

“It is free to all 2008 Weatherford High School graduating seniors and one guest,” Manning said. “We will have a casino area with black jack, slots, roulette and Texas hold ’em. The game area will have a mechanical bull, obstacle course, Velcro wall and laser tag.”

She added, all seniors and guests can compete in a dodge ball tournament or sing karaoke. 

“All of these activities are ways to make “Roo Bucks” that will be used to purchase door prizes or bid on auction items,” Manning said. “Everything is absolutely free to the senior and their guest, so we depend on the generosity of local businesses, community members and parents to fund the event.”

Perry Kelly graduated last year and attended the event. He recommends each senior go this year.

“It was a great choice,” Perry said. “It’s the last time you get to spend time with your friends before the summer comes. The hypnotists was the best part. We had so much fun.”

Perry also attended the event as a guest after his junior year. He said close to 400 students attend the event each year.

The event included a slide show presentation of photographs of each student growing up through their school years.

“It was fun to see how much people have grown and matured over the years,” he said. “It was an eye-opener and a tear-jerker at the same time.”

He added the event was his last high school memory and he is glad he made the right choice by ending his high school year on a positive note.

“I’d choose that over drinking any day,” he said.

Perry received a $500 scholarship at the event’s auction last year.

He applied it to Tarleton State University, where he is majoring in communications.

Coordinators of Project Graduation are accepting donations of money, water, soft drinks or gift items through May 29.

Friday, May 23, during half time at the spring blue and white football game held at Shirley Hall Middle School, a drawing will be held for a metallic midnight blue 2008 Chevrolet pickup truck donated by Jerry’s Chevrolet.

Tickets for the drawing are $100 each and benefit the project’s costs.

The winner will not have to wait to claim their prize, they will drive off from the game in their new truck.

To make donations or purchase tickets for the drawing, call Manning at (817) 228-5320. 

Donations and ticket purchases may also be mailed to Project Graduation 105 Bankhead Court, Weatherford, Texas 76087.

        

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