Terry Magrum, Sarah Maholm, Melissa Stypul and Patrick Davis demonstrate their singing talent
CLEARWATER - According to volunteer Doug Schanck, the night of high school graduation is a high-risk time for our teenagers. But that risk has essentially been eliminated for Clearwater High School graduates, thanks to the combined efforts of parents, teachers, volunteers and contributors to an event called Project Graduation.
Project Graduation staged its 13th annual all-night party on May 17th. The Long Center began filling with the CHS Class of 2005 shortly after the conclusion of graduation ceremonies, about 11pm, and remained full until the event's conclusion at 5am. 272 of this year's 310 graduates attended the event, attracted by its reputation for fun and prizes.
The fun was provided by a gymnasium full of activities - air hockey, table tennis, billiards, and black jack tables. Karaoke was available for those with singing talent, and not. Inflatable boat races were held in the swimming pool. Plentiful food and non-alcoholic beverages were available, all donated by local businesses.
Everyone was a prizewinner, going home with at least a handful of gift certificates donated by local merchants. There were also a number of high-value prizes awarded by random drawing, including 3 computers, 4 PDAs, 2 IPODs, 3 digital cameras, 2 cash prizes of $500, and a 1996 Ford Explorer.
According to 2005 Project Graduation Co-Chair Terry Schmidt, more than 200 volunteers supported the event with their efforts. "It's the community support that makes Project Graduation a success," Schmidt said.
Project Graduation for the Clearwater High School Class of 2006 is already being planned. If you would like to become involved in next year's event, contact Clearwater High School at 298-1620 or Sharon Pumphry, 2006 Co-Chair, at 442-9859.