High schools seek support for Project Graduation

Despite the slow economy, Project Graduation organizers at the three high schools remain committed to raising the needed funds to make a memorable and safe after-graduation experience for Highlands County's seniors.

"The state of the economy has affected everyone, especially groups who count on fundraising," said Teresa Ware of Sebring Project Graduation.

The Sebring Project Graduation goal is to take the seniors who have graduated to Adventure Island water park in Tampa, the night of graduation (May 29).

"We will have the park exclusively to ourselves where the seniors can enjoy the use of the park all night long with their classmates," Ware said. "The Sebring Project Graduation Committee is making a special request for the community's help in raising the money needed to make this event a success."

The high schools' Project Graduation committees work to support the Class of 2010 by providing a place for seniors to go on graduation night that is alcohol and drug free.

It is a night to be proud, to celebrate past achievements and to look forward to the future, Ware said. Over the years, this celebration has become the highlight of the senior year and has replaced the dangerous practice of attending multiple graduation parties, which often resulted in tragedy.

Avon Park High School will hold its Project Graduation on the evening of the graduation day. The event will be from 11 p.m.- 4a.m., May 28 at the school.

"We are trying to raise about $15,000," said Avon Park High Project Graduation secretary Kathy Bennett.

Bennett, whose son is a senior at the school, said "it's a safe way and alternative way of promoting a good fun night that's worry free for all parents."

Lake Placid High School's Project Graduation will also follow the graduation ceremony on May 29.

The seniors will decide next month, from three choices, on where they will hold the event.

Last year they went to Boomers in South Florida, which features activities such as go-carts, bowling and laser tag. Two years ago they went to the Wet 'N Wild water park in Orlando.

The School's Project Graduation Chairman Jeannie Snivley said it costs just as much to go out of town as it does to hold the event at the school where you have the rental costs for all the games and activities.

"Typically we raise about $20,000 to $22,000 each year," she said.

"I'm certain it's going to be a challenging year, but I know our community has always been very supportive and our parents have been too, so we are optimistic that we will be able to have a successful fund raising year for Project Graduation," Snivley said.

Following are some of Sebring High Project Graduation fund raising events:

• In December, the parents of Project Graduation will be at Lakeshore Mall near Kmart each weekend gift wrapping presents for shoppers.

• Jan. 22-30, Project Graduation will be at the Strawberry Shack food booth during the Highlands County Fair.

• A rummage sale will be held Feb. 27 in the parking lot of Central Florida Glass/Lincare. Sebring Project Graduation is accepting donated household items each Wednesday from 3-5 p.m. at Lincare and/or Central Florida Glass.

If you would like, you may also send a donation to Sebring Project Graduation, 105 Tree Farm Road, Sebring, FL 33875.

Avon Park High Project Graduation's golf tournament was rained out Saturday, but has been rescheduled for Jan. 2 at River Greens Golf Course. Fundraisers also include a food booth at next month's Snow Fest in Sebring and a Miss Leap Year pageant at the high school in February.

For its first fundraiser, Lake Placid High School's Project Graduation committee will have a food booth located at Lake Placid Christian School during Saturday's Christmas parade. Other fundraising activities are planned including efforts at the Lake Placid Country Fair in February and at the 12 Hours of Sebring Race in March.

PROJECT GRADUATION

AVON PARK

Event will be from 11 p.m. - 4 a.m., May 28 at Avon Park High School.

LAKE PLACID

Event will follow the graduation ceremony on May 29. Seniors will decide next month from three choices where it will be held.

SEBRING

Goal is to go to Adventure Island water Park in Tampa the night of May 29.