Search the site:  
National News Video
Top Jobs
Science and Technology
Headlines   |   mouseover panels to open
World
Nation
State
Local
Project Graduation keeps local graduates safe
6/9/2008 12:19 AM   0 comment(s) on this story E-mail this story to a friend



By ROB NOVIT

Senior writer

Certainly Aiken High School and South Aiken High school seniors were looking forward to their commencement programs last Friday.

But several readily admitted they had been anticipating Project Graduation even more for several years.

Hundreds of students attended Project Graduation at H. Odell Weeks Activities Center from about midnight Friday to 6 a.m. the next morning.

The event is a party held only for graduates, sponsored by parents in partnership with area businesses that donate prizes, food and scholarships. Project Graduation was established by parent Becky Lott in 1996 following the death of her son in a traffic accident. There's a casino, inflatables and even a room with futons and peaceful music.

"It's important and it keeps all the kids safe," said parent Mary Ann Fry. "It's a wonderful thing for them. There are the prizes and plenty of free food for $5. Where else can you get that kind of entertainment for five bucks?"

Aiken High graduate Kelly Riddick stopped by the food table to chat with her mother Stacey, another volunteer. Kelly's brother Michael attended Project Graduation four years ago, but Kelly at that time didn't really think about it eventually being her turn.

"This event is really like saying good-bye," said Kelly, who plans to major in early childhood education at USC Aiken. "Everyone from both schools are here, and it's going to be sad in the morning."

Project Graduation targets parents of rising seniors as volunteers. Among them this year was Bethanne Farrell, whose daughter Caryn attends South Aiken.

"There's so much activity here," Farrell said. "The kids are having a blast and they're so nice. The whole community actually supports us. Volunteers with the Sertoma Club of Aiken were just incredible."

Marcel Harley, another Aiken High graduate, said he could only stand outside the recreation center a year ago and watch as some of his friends entered the building.

He was glad for his own chance Friday, "but it's strange to think about it," said Harley, headed to Aiken Technical College to play basketball. "It seems like I just got to Aiken High, and now everything is over. But I like how they do it for both schools. ... We all come to one spot and enjoy a good night."

Fry coordinated the casino activities, featuring craps, blackjack and a roulette wheel -- all paying off in play money. She enlisted the help of her husband Matt and her older son Chris, who graduated from South Aiken last year.

"It's been fun," Fry said with a smile, "but I know nothing about gambling."

Contact Rob Novit at rnovit@aikenstandard.com.

<Caption>c_</Caption>





Share this story:

                           


  0 comment(s) on this story

Comment on this story
Comment Title:
Enter your comment here:  
Your Name:
captcha eb5f8e4dcaed4268a5c030da2b50eefe
Enter text seen above:
 
Special Sections View all special sections
Medical Minute brought to you by ARMC
Weddings
Just for Fun
Entertainment
Brides
Cook-Stimpson

Ashley Elizabeth Stimpson of Columbia and Paul Gregory Cook of Columbia were married Aug. 2, 2008, in Rutledge Chapel at the University of South Carolina. The bride was given in marriage by her fath ...
10/4/2008 9:04 PM
Bookings
Obituaries
Births
Science and Technology
copyright 2008 Aiken Standard, All Rights Reserved.