Project Graduation letters being mailed

By Sam Waller

Project Graduation is in the process of sending out letters to solicit contributions for this year’s graduation night party.

Project Graduation coordinator Amanda Tabor said letters are being mailed to local businesses and past donors, with several types of donations accepted.

“If anybody wants to give gift cards or things to use that night – I know people have donated water in the past – or if they want to make a monetary donation, they can fill out the card that will be sent with the letter and mail that back to us,” Tabor said. “All donations will be used to help with the event.”

Donations are tax deductible.

The 33 members of the Albany High School Class of 2023 will hold commencement ceremonies Friday, May 26. The graduation party will follow.

Project Graduation has provided Albany High School seniors with a safe alternative for celebrating graduation since 1988.

Started by the Albany Drug Task Force, the event is an alcohol-, drug- and chemical-free graduation party for each year’s senior class.

Over the course of the school year, the graduating seniors have participated in fundraising efforts such as providing concessions for Fall Fest, selling cookie dough, and providing babysitting on Valentine’s weekend.

The students will also help work the concession stand at the high school and junior high track meets Albany is hosting this week.

“It’s a mix of Booster Club, team moms, and Project Graduation,” Tabor, who is involved in each group, said of the meet volunteers. “It’s a big gang of people.”