By Debra Goodew and Cathy Hirst

Project Graduation Committee

Graduation is quickly approaching for the class of 2016. It’s a time of excitement and anticipation for the high school seniors as they look forward to life beyond high school.

All Austin High School, Pacelli High School, and home-schooled graduates are invited to Project Graduation, helping local high school graduates celebrate their accomplishments. The event will take place at Austin High School immediately following commencement June 10 at 10 p.m. This year’s theme is “Making Memories Around the World.” The gyms, classrooms and even Knowlton Auditorium will be transformed into various themed rooms with numerous activities, games, food and fun for all attending. The party continues until about 4 a.m.

Project Graduation began in 1989. A group of local parents wanted to offer all graduating seniors in Austin an opportunity to celebrate this milestone in a safe, alcohol and drug free environment. The tradition continues, giving our seniors a safe and exciting place to celebrate graduation with their classmates.

To be able to offer such a fun event each year, many volunteers and generous donors are needed. Committee members reach out to our community for donations of money and/or prizes. Austin is an extremely generous community. Year after year local businesses and individuals 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. We often hear, “Once you volunteer for Project Graduation you will want to come back every year.” Parents of ninth- through 11th-graders are encouraged to “throw the party,” giving parents of seniors the chance to enjoy graduation.

The price of the ticket includes a fun-filled night of games, food, prizes and entertainment. All pre-registered attendees will receive a gift, and all attendees will have a chance to win fantastic prizes.

Ticket sales begin April 8 at the AHS Cashier’s office. Early registration by April 29 is $40, regular registration May 2-June 8 is $50, and tickets at the door will be $60. Financial assistance is available if needed. All students registered by April 29 will be entered in a drawing to win a $25 Caribou gift card. Pre-sale tickets will be available March 10 during AHS conferences at the Project Graduation information table. Volunteer and donation opportunities will be available at that time.

Cathy Hirst and Deb Goodew are co-chairing the event this year. If you have any questions, would like to volunteer to help, or would like to donate a prize, please contact them at hirstdc8@gmail.com or dsgoodew@gmail.com.

If you would like to make a monetary donation to this event please send your donation to: AHS Projection Graduation, c/o Angie Ross, PO Box 217, Austin, MN 55912.

Thank you to our community for supporting Project Graduation!