By Chris Grev

Project Graduation volunteer

Another school year is winding down and in just a matter of weeks, high school seniors will be celebrating the milestone of graduation. To help local high school graduates celebrate their accomplishments, Austin High School will again host Project Graduation. This all-night event takes place at the high school immediately following the graduation ceremony on Friday, June 7. The gyms, classrooms and even Knowlton Auditorium will be transformed into various rooms with numerous activities, games, food and fun for all attending.

Project Graduation dates back to 1989, when a group of local parents wanted to offer all graduating seniors in Austin an opportunity to celebrate in a safe, alcohol- and drug-free environment. After many years, many volunteers and many changes, the event continues to be one of the most anticipated of the year. The purpose, however, has not changed: to give our seniors a safe and exciting place to celebrate their graduation with their classmates.

To put on such a post-commencement party takes a lot of time, volunteers and money. Committee members have reached out to the community for donations of money and/or gift prizes. Austin is an extremely generous community and year after year local businesses have been incredibly supportive of Project Graduation. We sincerely appreciate the generosity shown to this event. We also appreciate the work of our volunteers who work for months organizing the details to ensure a memorable event for the graduates. The committee would like to especially thank Leanne Clasen, Tammy Coffey and Jayna Heimark for stepping forward to serve as chairpeople this year and to past chairperson Annette Mueller for her continued guidance for the committee.

The party begins immediately after AHS commencement and continues until 4 a.m.

Project Graduation is a community event. Students from AHS, Pacelli and home-schooled graduates are all invited. Students can get tickets for the event at AHS. The price of the ticket includes a fun-filled evening of games, food, beverages, entertainment and a special gift. The Early Registration Blitz runs until 3 p.m. Friday, May 3, where tickets are just $40 and each person is entered into an early bird drawing for one of two $50 cash prizes! Registration continues May 6 through 3 p.m. on June 7 at a cost of $50 per ticket. At the door tickets are $60. Of course, we encourage early registration.

If you would like to make a donation or volunteer the night of Project Graduation, please contact Leanne Clasen at 507-433-8378.