Lawrence’s graduating seniors will have an opportunity to win cold cash and hot prizes at Project Graduation 2002.

Free State High School, Lawrence High School and Lawrence Alternative High School students are invited to follow the May graduation programs with a five-hour, free-admission, no-alcohol celebration at The Granada, 1020 Mass.

“This provides a safe place for graduates to go after the formal ceremonies,” said Brenda Schreiner, a parent volunteer. “For many students, it’s a last time to be with friends.”

The fiesta is scheduled for 11 p.m. May 26 to 4 a.m. May 27.

At least two-thirds of the district’s 700 graduates are expected to attend.

Parent volunteer Nan Axcell said the grand prize again would be a used automobile. This year’s car will be donated by Laird Noller Ford of Lawrence, she said.

Other gifts will include cash, TVs, VCRs and computers.

“The goal is that everybody gets something,” Axcell said.

The catch: Students must be present to win.

Guests at the extravaganza won’t go hungry. There will be dozens of donated pizzas, mounds of nachos and piles of sandwiches. It will be washed down with sports drinks and sodas.

Graduation ceremonies for Free State and LHS will be May 26 at Kansas University’s Memorial Stadium.