I am a parent of a Scarborough High School junior and am currently serving my second year as the co-chairman of Project Graduation. This school year, just as the last, has been a busy one with regards to organizing and fundraising for the Project Graduation event. This year’s event will be an entertainment packed and non-stop fun evening for our graduating seniors following their commencement ceremony. Without the dedication of about 30 parent volunteers working on behalf of every Scarborough High School student and the overwhelming response of donations from local businesses, the all night chem-free party would easily become a thing of the past for our graduates.

The Project Graduation committee would like to express our deepest gratitude to the parents who contributed time and donations to our March auction; to the relatively few parents and the community members who attended the auction and are responsible for funding the Project Graduation event through their bidding; and especially to the local businesses who have risen beyond expectations with their generosity. Specifically, we would like to add our thanks to two additional donors not listed in our general thank you ad in April: Gorham Savings Bank and the Lions Club. The Lions Club sponsored a Roast Beef Supper in April on behalf of Project Graduation. As usual, the supper was delicious. It is an overwhelming feeling knowing the business community cares so much about our young people.

I am personally thrilled that next year my student will be in a safe environment with her classmates while celebrating this significant event in their lives. I grew up in Western Massachusetts and did not have Project Graduation in my school. I specifically remember, the day after graduation, a tragedy posted on the front page in the local paper related to alcohol use at a post-graduation party. I am sure there are Scarborough parents who may have had a similar experience or memory. It is with this memory in mind, I am even more grateful for having Project Graduation for my daughter. Project Graduation sends the message that students can have fun without the use of drugs and alcohol. I and other committee members would love nothing more than for this message to be center stage with all Scarborough parents and students.

In the past few years, Project Graduation has been challenged by difficulties in recruiting enough volunteers to help with this very important tradition. Scarborough High School is growing. With the growth comes increased need for planning, organizing, and fund-raising. I will continue to be co-chair for one more year. When my daughter graduates, I will be passing the hat to other dedicated parents who want to see the tradition continue. My hope, as is the hope of all parents who have dedicated their time to this project this year, is that the response from within the school community will continue to grow and match that of our business community. After all, it is the safety of our children that really matters.

Kimberly Hanlon

Scarborough