By Chris Grev,

Project Graduation Volunteer

In just a matter of weeks, high school seniors will be celebrating the milestone of graduation. It’s a time of excitement and uncertainty as graduates look forward to life beyond high school.

To help local high school graduates celebrate their accomplishments, Austin High School will again host Project Gradation-Set Sail To Your Dreams In 2014. This all-night event takes place at the high school immediately following commencement on Friday, June 6. The gyms, classrooms and even Knowlton Auditorium will be transformed into various themed rooms with numerous activities, games, food and fun for all attending.

Project Graduation is one of the most anticipated events for Austin graduates. It 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. This tradition continues to today, to give our seniors a safe and exciting place to celebrate 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 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 our volunteers who work for months organizing the details to ensure a memorable event for the graduates. The committee would like to especially thank Lori Brehmer and Karleen Vierkandt for serving as Project Graduation Chairs this year.

“We have been a part of Project Graduation for eight years. It’s just a really neat event, fun for the kids but also the volunteers. I’m proud to be part of a community who values events like this.” said Lori Brehmer, Project Graduation Co-Chair.

Project Graduation is a community event. Students from AHS, Pacelli and home-schooled graduates are all invited. Students can get tickets for the event from the cashier’s office at AHS. The price of the ticket includes a fun-filled evening of games, food, beverages, entertainment and a special gift. Registration is $50 through June 4, or $60 at the door. Of course, we encourage early registration. Doors open immediately after commencement and the party continues until 2 a.m.

If you would like to make a donation towards Project Graduation, please contact Lori Brehmer at 507-208-8415, or Karleen Vierkandt at 507-438-2195. Help is also needed at Project Graduation setting up, monitoring activities and tearing down. If you’d like to volunteer please contact Lori or Karleen.

Thank you for being a part of Set Sail to Your Dreams in 2014.