Project Graduation –

Project Graduation

Dear AHS Senior Parents:

It is hard to believe that in May our seniors will graduate!  As you may know, parents of Atascocita High School will be hosting a drug and alcohol-free graduation party for our Senior Class known as Project Graduation.

Every student in the graduating class is invited to celebrate together in an all-night “lock-in” at the Max Bowl hosted by parent volunteers. Project Graduation was conceived in Maine over 25 years ago after 18 teens lost their lives in drug and alcohol-related crashes following high school graduations.  The event was so well received that it was quickly adopted by other high schools throughout the nation – including Texas.

This is a totally self-supporting program sponsored by the parents and the community; we receive no funding from the school budget. Project Graduation is a certified 501c3 as a charitable entity; thus, all donations are tax-free. Because of the enormous undertaking – there are several opportunities to become involved.  There are several fundraisers in process and several committees in need of volunteers.  We would love for you to join us!   This is a true graduation gift for our teens.

Liquita Thompson
Project Graduation Chairperson
atascocitapg@gmail.com

How it All Began

ATASCOCITA HIGH SCHOOL

PROJECT GRADUATION 

How it all began…..

The concept originated in Maine in response to the deaths of 18 teenagers in alcohol-related highway crashes. Seven of the teens were from one community. Parents in the community were devastated and determined not to let this happen again. In an effort to prevent the incapacitating injuries and deaths that were often the result of teens driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, the parents organized "Project Graduation". From that school, the idea spread. By 1985, 95% of the high schools in Maine were hosting successful chemical-free parties.

In Texas

 How did this drug-free celebration originate in Texas? While attending a traffic safety conference in the early 80s, John McKay, now a retired TxDOT employee, learned of Maine's success with sponsoring overnight chemical-free Project Graduation events following graduation ceremonies.

Working with the Maine Department of Education and Cultural Services Alcohol, Drugs, and Highway Safety Program Coordinator, TxDOT utilized the original Project Graduation concept, ideas, and experiences and adapted it for Texas high schools. The concept was endorsed by The Congress of Parents and Teachers, Texan's War on Drugs, the Texas Department of Health, the Texas Safety Association, the Texas Education Agency, the Texas Center for the Judiciary, Inc., and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Two schools piloted the program during the 1983-84 school year. Later, senior prom activities were also identified as a potentially deadly time for teen involvement in alcohol-related traffic crashes. In 1987, the name changed from Project Graduation to Project Celebration. These changes enabled schools to hold events during the time of year which put their students at the greatest risk for alcohol-related vehicle crashes.