Despite Economy, SBHS Project Graduation Carries On

In a time of economic turmoil, groups like the South Brunswick High School Project Graduation Committee have found it more difficult to raise the necessary funds in order to provide a safe graduation night event for the senior class. But thanks to a year's worth of hard work, the culminating event for the SBHS seniors will go on as scheduled.

"It's gotten very difficult, but we try to make it work so we don’t incur any cost for the child," said committee Co-Chair Patty Christian. "This year was very hard. We had to cancel two events because we didn't have enough manpower."

Project Graduation started in South Brunswick in 1992, but began over 30 years ago in Oxford Hills, Maine, after there were seven alcohol and drug-related deaths of teens in the graduation season of 1979.

The event is held nationwide to provide seniors with a graduation night to celebrate with their classmates in a safe, tobacco, substance and alcohol-free atmosphere. Each year SBHS holds the event at the Funplex, in Mt. Laurel, with bus transportation provided to and from the high school. 

The SBHS senior class of 2012 has approximately 760 students, with about 80 percent signed up to attend the Project Graduation event, Christian said. The cost of the event is about $50,000. This year, the committee was able to raise approximately $35,000, with approximately $10,000 left from last year.

"We had a hard time raising money this year," Christian said. "We had about $10,000 in reserve, so we're just going to make it."

The efforts were aided by contributions from local businesses. On May 19, Brad Benson Hyundai donated $50 for every car sold to Project Graduation, which raised $2,050 after 41 cars were sold.

Other local businesses helping the cause were Confectionately Yours, Charmed by Claire, and Wendy's on Route 1. 

As raising money has gotten more difficult during the recession, Christian praised the efforts of local businesses and individuals who understood the importance of each year's Project Graduation event.

"We always have concerns that we will come up short," she said. "But we had some money in reserve from last year, and we had great businesses in town who helped us pull it together. It's important to give these kids a safe graduation night with no drugs, no alcohol and no tobacco. Parents know the kids are safe with us."

However, chaperones are still needed for the event on June 21. Over 600 students have signed up for the event, but they only have 16 chaperones, including teachers. If you can help, email Patty Christian as soon as possible at pattychristian@verizon.net.