SOUTH PORTLAND – The committee for Project Graduation at South Portland High School is gearing up for its annual dodgeball tournament on March 9 from 1 to 4 p.m., aimed at raising funds for Project Graduation.
The event is organized by parents to provide graduating seniors with a safe post-graduation experience. Project Graduation is an annual event planned, funded for, and chaperoned by the parents of the graduating class.
Courtesy image/Sara Murphy
“After the graduation ceremony on June 9, Project Graduation provides a chaperoned experience where we whisk the graduating seniors away to a secret location for a night of revelry, nonsense, friendship, and fun,” said Sara Murphy, a member of the Class of 2024 Project Graduation Committee. “It has always been incredibly successful in past years, providing a safe space for the seniors to celebrate this milestone.”
Teams interested in participating are encouraged to register at noon on the day of the event, The registration fee is $10 per player, with teams consisting of five players each and the option for up to two additional alternates. Criteria is that the player must at least be in middle school to participate. Teams must have five players and can have up to two additional alternate players. Each player has to pay $10 ($50 per team if five players).
Registration forms can be obtained from the main office at South Portland High School or the middle school. Murphy emphasized that all players must sign a waiver before participating.
The number of teams varies from year to year, and it depends on how many teams ultimately sign up. Murphy said, ideally, they are aiming for between 16-20 teams. Regarding the tournament format, Murphy said, “Traditional dodgeball rules apply, although there will be an opportunity to buy wristbands for ‘extra lives.'” The wristbands allow players to remain in the game after being hit by a dodgeball, except during the championship match. The tournament will feature a bracket system to facilitate gameplay, ensuring fair matchups between teams of similar age groups.
Proceeds from the dodgeball tournament will directly support Project Graduation, covering expenses such as food, drinks, transportation, and undisclosed extracurricular activities for the graduating seniors. Murphy said the secrecy surrounding the event’s activities are designed “to surprise and delight participants.”
In addition to prizes for the winning team, the tournament will recognize other commendable attributes, including team costumes and spirit. Murphy encourages attendees to enjoy the festivities.
“We will have food and drinks for purchase throughout the day, and hopefully other merchandise (think sweat bands),” Murphy said.
The tournament will serve as the launchpad for the next Project Graduation fundraiser, a silent auction. Items will be on display at the tournament so individuals can see what is being offered and and start bidding.
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