The idea for Project Graduation began at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School 45 years ago and locally it has been around for over about four decades. The program was started to bring to light the dangers of drinking, drugging and driving, to reduce the number of youth involved in alcohol or other drug-related car accidents. Several OHCHS students were killed in 1979 in accidents, which prompted the program. Visit maine.gov and search for the history of the program.

At Boothbay Region High School, post-graduation Project Graduation trips to various locations have been the norm. However, the costs of the trips have increased a lot over the years and it is up to each graduating class, with help from their parents, to raise the money for the trip.

According to this year’s Project Graduation committee president, Sarah Clark, the community has been very supportive of the program and its fundraisers. As of this week, nearly $17,000 of the $25,000 goal has been reached. With only a little over three months to go in the school year, the time is now to help the PG group reach its goal. This year’s senior class plans to spend the weekend after graduation in the Boston area with several activities – Marlborough, Massachusetts at APEX entertainment (indoor activities) and in Boston at its historical sites.

The fundraising started in October with a “Spook Walk,” a haunted walk through the woods, followed by a baked good sale at Gardens Aglow, coffee and breakfast treats during the Early Bird Sale, grilled food and gift wrapping at Men’s Night, and a very successful raffle of four Red Sox tickets and a basket of over 25 gift cards donated by local businesses during the holiday season.

During the school’s basketball season, the halftime fundraiser during the varsity games also has helped raise money for the trip. The “Huck-A-Hawk,” also known as “Chuck-A-Duck,” where people throw rubber ducks from the stands toward a spot on the court after “purchasing” a number of ducks, has provided a lot of fun (closest to the spot wins half of the proceeds) as well as needed funds.

Letters asking for support of PG have also been sent to various businesses and individuals.

After meeting this week to schedule more fundraisers, which include such ideas as a community supper, a pancake breakfast, and a car wash in the spring, Clark is hoping the great community support continues.

We suggested perhaps holding an alumni basketball game. The last one in 2018 was a lot of fun and there should be a good supply of willing players to participate. Leisha MacDougall, who was on the 2018 PG committee, said “We sold refreshments and had more volunteers than we had spaces for. The crowd turned out well and we sold raffle tickets. Well worth it, if I recall correctly. And I think we got a business to donate the team T-shirts.”

In any case, help support the upcoming fundraisers; or donations can be sent to Boothbay Region Project Graduation, P.O. Box 562, Boothbay, ME 04537, or contact Sarah Clark at smurray3@yahoo.com, 207-380-5790.