Committee plans for Project Graduation

Posted Thursday, April 10, 2008

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Pittsboro, NC - Since 1990, Project Graduation has been an annual event for graduating seniors from all three high schools. Seniors and their guests enjoy a fun-filled evening with music, games and plenty of food in a safe graduation celebration that is alcohol and drug free. This year, several "carnival games" have been added to create a more festive and teenager friendly atmosphere.

"It is our communities' way of sending a clear message to our children that alcohol and other drug use does not have to be a part of their lives," said George Greger-Holt, co-chair of the Chatham Community for Alcohol and Drug Free Youth and annual Project Graduation attendee.

"The success of the event relies solely on the parents who come every year and help us prepare for and supervise the evening," added Greger-Holt, who is also the Director of Student Services with Chatham County Schools. "Without parent and community support, Project Graduation would not take place," he continued.

Each year, the committee raises money from local businesses, organizations, houses of worship and individuals so graduating seniors can enjoy a night to remember. Letters have recently gone out to those who were kind enough to contribute to last year¹s event. "With the community's help, we hope to give away exciting door prizes, including a $2,000 grand prize to a senior from each high school at the end of the night," said Susan Powell, coordinator of the group. "It truly is a community effort."

This year, the county-wide event will be held at Northwood High School in Pittsboro from 11:00 p.m. Friday, June 13 to 6:00 a.m. Saturday, June 14. Students are encouraged to stay all night and must be present to win a prize.

Several meetings are planned across the county to involve parents in everything from fundraising to chaperoning to decorating and serving food. Senior parents will receive an invitation to a meeting at their school in the near future. "We invite everyone in the community to become a part of this event," said Greger-Holt. "It's a great way to honor our graduates and help them see that the community supports alcohol and drug free youth."

If you would like to help with preparing for or supervising the event, please contact George Greger-Holt at 919-542-3626 or
geogreg@chatham.k12.nc.us, or Susan Powell at 942-8083 or susan_chnc@hotmail.com.

Last year, 137 donors contributed over $19,000 and over $4,000 in prizes while 81 parents and community members volunteered their time. Over 70% of seniors who signed up attended, with a total of 347 teenagers attending. More information on Project Graduation can be found here.

If you or your company, employer, agency or house of worship would like to donate money or merchandise for door prizes, please contact George Greger-Holt or send a check made out to Project Graduation, P. O. Box 128, Pittsboro, NC, 27312. All donations are tax deductible and each donor will receive a window flyer and recognition in the Chatham News and Record.