Project Graduation for the BHS class of ‘11 kicked off with its first fundraiser at the first home football game. Parents and students held an 80/20 raffle, where the winner, Kim Phipps, won twenty percent of the income. Her prize was $9, which she donated back to Project Graduation (PG).

Parents met for a PG meeting Thursday night to discuss this fundraiser and others that are planned, and any viable new ones.

About 20 parents met in the high school cafeteria, where the goal was to decide who was heading up which fundraiser and run with them. Many were solidified, and some were assigned for more research. The entire school and community calendars were factors in planning the events, to maximize participation.

The 80/20 raffle will be conducted at all the remaining home football games; concessions will be hosted for most of the remaining volleyball home games.

Fall fundraiser for PG will include, but not be limited to, the Feast of Champions, formerly known as the Celebrity Dinner and Silent Auction, Golf Tournament, Fall Carnival, and Junior/Senior Powder Puff Football game.

Spring events planned include a Fishing Tournament, Pancake Supper, Mr/Miss Pageant, and 5K Run. Student and parent workers are needed for each event.

Students must sign up for each event in advance, then sign in and out during the event in the presence of the coordinator to earn their required hours.

Students’ participation is set at a minimum of ten hours, with extra hours giving students the opportunity for rewards for their effort.

Parents generally also participate, although their hours do not count towards their seniors‘ requirements. On that note, PG is pursuing volunteers to help with fundraisers, on the planning and working level.

The number one goal of graduation party is the safety and well-being of graduates on graduation night.

Prevention of drug or alcohol related death or injury is the driving force for the Project Graduation movement, which was started by Tricia and Larry Hartmann and a small core group. It took them a few years to really get the ball rolling, earning community, school and parent support.

Current seniors will graduate June 3, 2011, and Lifetime Fitness near 281 and 1604 in San Antonio will again be the site for the alcohol-free and drug-free all-night celebration.

According to parents, 2010 seniors enjoyed the facility, where they were locked in from arrival about 11:00 p.m. until morning.

Lifetime and Project Graduation funds provided a variety of foods round the clock, including pizza brought in and many breakfast items.

Activities within the fitness center include a giant hot-tub, pool, giant rock-climbing wall, racquetball/volleyball/basketball courts, and much more.

Parents agreed that this school year’s seniors would enjoy the location as well.

For more information or to volunteer, please contact Paula Batey via email at paula.batey@blanco.txed.net.

Updates will be published in the Blanco County News as they become available.