Project Graduation is marking its 25th year with Hermiston High School. For a quarter of a century, a committee of volunteers has been planning, preparing and supervising a drug- and alcohol-free celebration for HHS graduates before they go their separate ways.
The annual event “is a great opportunity to keep our students safe in a drug-free environment at a night filled with a lot of fun and food,” said Jenny Miller, president of Project Graduation for Hermiston High School.
The success of this huge annual event relies heavily on the generosity of businesses and individuals in the community. The Project Graduation committee is seeking donations for the Class of 2014’s party.
There are three ways of contributing. Monetary donations of any amount are most welcome. Party expenses include food, entertainment, insurance, site rental and transportation. Project Graduation is not affiliated with the school district, so the party is held off campus.
In-kind donations are also much appreciated. These contributions can be items high school graduates getting ready to head off on their own may need like bedding or dish sets, fun items like games or electronics; or certificates for free items such as dinner at a restaurant or movie passes.
“The graduates have the opportunity to play games and win prizes,” said Michelle Kane, a committee member. “It would be nice to send as many of our kids home with prizes as possible so that they all feel like winners.”
Another very important way of contributing is volunteering time to monitor the event. Help is needed to run games, set out food, set up, clean up and more. The event will be held June 7 and shifts are available from 5 to 7 p.m., 7 to 10 p.m., 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. and 12 to 2 a.m.
Checks should be made out “HHS Project Graduation” and mailed to: HHS Project Graduation, P.O. Box 1105, Hermiston OR 97838. In kind donations can either be mailed or given to either Kane or Kathy Dopps at West Park Elementary School. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Tamra Mabbott at 541-561-5011.
For more information about Project Graduation or the graduation celebration, contact Jenny Miller at jenny.miller@hermiston.k12.or.us, or Michelle Kane at michelle.kane@hermiston.k12.or.us or 541-564-5985.
