Julie Swank, one of four co-chairs for Project Graduation, will take questions about the annual post-graduation party for seniors at all Lawrence high schools. The event – complete with food, activities and thousands of dollars in prizes – is designed to provide a safe environment for celebration on one of the most dangerous nights of the year for high school graduates. The chat begins at 1:30 p.m. Thursday.

Moderator

Welcome to today’s chat. We’re joined by Julie Swank, one of four co-chairs for this year’s Project Graduation. I’m Mindie Paget, and I’ll be moderating the conversation. We already have a few questions, but certainly welcome more as we proceed.

Thanks for being here, Julie.

Julie Swank

Thanks for offering this opportunity to me to talk about project graduation. I am ready to go.

Moderator

Before we get to more specific questions, could you please give us a broad overview of Project Graduation – when and where it is, who can come, what will happen there.

Julie Swank

Project Graduation is a party for all graduating seniors from all the high schools in Lawrence Kansas. This year it is being held on Sunday, May 27th at Abe and Jake’s from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. All high school seniors who plan to attend need to be checked in by 11. Once at the party, attendees can enjoy food, a DJ, Nascar races, a bucking bull, dancing, fake tatoos, and a cash cage to name of few of the fun events we have planned.

javelin

I know a graduate that never got a student ID made this year. Will he be able to get into Project Graduation?

Julie Swank

Absolutely. The graduate can bring any form of photo identification to get into the party.

javelin

Could you tell me if the car that is being given away has automatic transmission?

Julie Swank

Yes, the red Mazda 626 is automatic transmission. It will be given away at 3:00 and any graduate attending the party will have a chance to win the car. They must be present to win.

Moderator

What are some of the other prizes being given away at the party?

Julie Swank

We have a wide array of prizes ranging in value from $4 to $5000. The more exciting prizes include: 2 laptop computers, a digital camera, a flat screen TV with a DVD player, 7 scholarships raning from $250-$500, over $2500 in cash prizes through the cash cage, winning in the casino, winning the bull riding contest, or spinning the wheel of fortune. We have alot of donations from area businesses that are exciting too.

ChristyLittle

Who are some of the sponsors who donate gifts?

Julie Swank

The Journal World has generously donated the cost of our building rental and a $500 scholarship. Also, Laird Noller has donated the Mazda 626. We have had hotels, beauty shops, restaurants, parents of students, many of the retail merchants in town who have all donated gifts.

javelin

Once the graduates get into the party, how will they know where to go? Are there maps?

Julie Swank

Yes, there will be colored maps posted around the building to help you identify the location of each activity.

kbritt

Do participants have to stay until 3 p.m. or can they leave earlier?

Julie Swank

Graduates can leave whenever they want to. They must be present to win any prizes though.

ChristyLittle

How many years has Project Grad been in place in Lawrence?

Julie Swank

We know it was in place years ago when LHS was the only high school in town. It has grown and evolved over the years but nobody this year had specific information as to exactly how many years this tradition has been going on.

kbritt

Have you considered an all-night long party? 3 a.m. seems inconvenient for parents.

Julie Swank

There has never been any discussion about an all night party. Many of the parents volunteer to help at the party and we have a challenging time gettng enough volunteers to work until 3 am.

Moderator

That’s all we have time for today. Thanks for your questions, and thanks, Julie, for taking the time to answer them. Good luck with the party!

Julie Swank

Thank you for this opportunity to answer questions about project graduation. We are excited about all the fun events planned for this year’s party and want to thank the community for all their wonderful support of this event.