Final preparations made for graduation party
By Sandy Morris
Albany High School seniors are anxiously waiting to cross the stage on Friday night and then celebrate their success at the traditional Project Graduation party later in the evening.
According to chairman Tisha Wilkins, the organizers of this year’s event are almost ready for the party.
“We are on the home stretch,” said Wilkins. “We are working on getting the final things organized, but everything is coming together very well.”
Project Graduation is an all-night drug-free and alcohol-free party following commencement exercises that is only for the graduating seniors and the six junior ushers, plus any of the graduates’ parents who are serving as chaperones.
The Class of 2021 voted to stay in Albany rather than travel out of town, so seniors will start the event at the Feed Store with check-in by 10:30 p.m. on May 28.
“All events and locations scheduled for the night have not been announced and will be a surprise for the seniors,” said Wilkins. “All the graduates know is that they need to bring comfortable clothes, a swim suit, and a towel.”
The celebration will finish with the final prizes and gifts being given out at the Feed Store sometime around 5:00 a.m. on Saturday morning.
Wilkins said drawings will be held every 30 minutes for door prizes valued from $50 to over $100, with every senior having at least one chance in the pot.
Seniors or their parents who worked or made a donation to a fundraiser more than the required four times have earned additional chances to win prizes.
A total of 30 students have worked more than required and will receive gifts valued between $400 and $600.
At the end of the night, all 35 seniors at the party will receive a portion of $5,000 in Albany Bucks.
“We are very excited about giving large increments of Albany Bucks to the graduates,” Wilkins said. “Not only is it a great prize, but that money is going back into the community.”
The Albany Task Force will draw for two $500 scholarships to be awarded to one boy and one girl at the end of the night.
In order to be eligible for a scholarship or prizes, a senior must stay at the party all night. The only exceptions will be senior baseball players if there is a playoff game scheduled on Saturday.
“The community has been very generous to us this year,” Wilkins said. “We have easily raised over $25,000, not including any additional incoming gifts or donations.”
Wilkins said she has volunteers signed up to work during the event, but parents are still invited to help with all of the scheduled activities.
Parents who want to help can call 325-660-7443.
