The prize list for the annual Lawrence graduation party keeps growing.
As of this week, donations include a Nintendo Wii, a PlayStation 3, a laptop computer, a Global Positioning System device, a digital camera, a MiniDV camcorder, a 15-inch flat-panel LCD HDTV and a portable DVD player.
"I think it's going to be a lot of fun once everyone's out there," said Tristan Willits, a Free State High School senior.
Project Graduation will be from 10 p.m. May 25 to 3 a.m. May 26 at Abe & Jake's Landing, 8 E. Sixth St.
The grand prize meant to keep graduates at the alcohol- and drug-free event until the end is a 1994 Honda del Sol, donated by Jack Ellena Honda.
Traditionally up to three-fourths of graduates attend the event, which features prizes, games and dancing under parent supervision. Graduates are invited from all Lawrence high schools - public and private.
Parent volunteers are still seeking donations for prizes. Financial donations can be mailed to Project Graduation 2008, in care of Michelle McClure, treasurer, P.O. Box 3083, Lawrence, KS 66046-0083; checks should be written to "Project Graduation 2008."
Each year the event produces about $15,000 in prizes and complimentary gifts.
Graduation times
The public school graduation ceremonies will be May 25 at Allen Fieldhouse. Free State's ceremony will be at 1 p.m., and Lawrence High's ceremony will follow at 4 p.m.
Bishop Seabury's graduation will be at 9 a.m. May 23 at the academy, 4120 Clinton Parkway, and the Veritas Christian School graduation will be at 1 p.m. May 24 at Lawrence Bible Chapel, 505 Monterey Way.
Comments
SofaKing 5 years, 1 month ago
The kids from Veritas look unhappy because they frown on this sort of gambling, geniusmannumber1.
geniusmannumber1 5 years, 1 month ago
Why do the kids from Veritas look so unhappy?
Take_a_letter_Maria 5 years, 1 month ago
Well said scattered.
Scattered 5 years, 1 month ago
I see many reasons for the donated car to be one that is NOT new:1. Anyone I know with a new car has to return it over and over to the dealership for problems.2. A new car is going to get a multitude of "dings" in any college parking lot, most likely. What college freshman needs the added stress of keeping your ride pristine?3. Not everyone can afford TAXES and INSURANCE on a new vehicle!I also would have been thrilled with a car of my own as a HS senior! (However, driving our family '68 Buick Riviera GS was pretty fine!)Hopefully, those in the "ungrateful pool:" won;'t bother to enter the drawing.One question: Why doesn't the party end at dawn? Safe parties usually do. It seems counterproductive to turn everyone lose in the middle of the night!
ONmySOAPbox 5 years, 1 month ago
New Brakes $95New Tires $400Engine Tune up $150Winning a wore out Del Sol $Priceless
bluerose 5 years, 1 month ago
a 14-year old car is a "prize"?that is shameful. the "lucky winner" will be in debt instantly trying to make repairs...sad.give a kid a new car and hope one will learn to treat it well from the start, rather than a ... junker!otherwise ... fun night!
ForThePeople 5 years, 1 month ago
Wow, talk about ungrateful! I would have been thrilled to win ANY kind of car when I was 18 years old! I certainly hope the kid that wins the car is more appreciative of the gift than those posting here!
TtownKUlivin 5 years, 1 month ago
Haha..that is awesome. How many miles does that thing have on it? I know I would be hoping to win anything but the car.
johnadavies 5 years, 1 month ago
If you don't own a car it might be a wonderful prize!
geniusmannumber1 5 years, 1 month ago
I like how you think, newsreader.
mom_of_three 5 years, 1 month ago
when I went to college, my car was over 20 years old, and I was happy just to have one. I bet there will be a senior happy to have a car. (my senior looks at safety ratings on cars, and knows a bigger car is usually safer, but her younger sibling would jump at the chance to drive it)
newsreader 5 years, 1 month ago
If I won that car I'd sell it and throw a huge keg party for all the graduating people
horsegirl 5 years, 1 month ago
Talk about ungrateful. It is FREE!!!! I would have been thrilled when I graduated! I drove a Plymouth Horizon!!! That car looks like fun!
fairylight 5 years, 1 month ago
What selfish spoiled brats. Please- remove yourself from the possiblity of winning this car as to allow someone worthy to win. In 1973 I drove a 1958 ford fairlane 500 that smoked so badly I used bulk oil in it- and was glad to have it. Many other readers here did without a car right out of school. I am embarrssed BY and FOR you snot noses.
Pywacket 5 years, 1 month ago
High five, Scattered! My first car was a '69 Buick Wildcat. KSA 21....~ How can you call Ellena cheapskates? They don't owe it to anyone to donate anything--the fact that they are donating any car seems pretty generous. My graduating senior would be delighted to win the car. What have you donated to the graduating seniors? Why don't you post that so we can all tell you how miserly you are?Fairylight~ If I'm not mistaken, all (or most) of those snotty remarks were from older readers, not graduating seniors--so I wouldn't be too quick to chastise the kids. They will probably be happy for a chance to win the car.As a parent, I am grateful to everyone who generously gives of their time, money, and other resources to make it a memorable night for the kids.My only question (same as last year) is why they turn them loose at 3:00 a.m., when drunks are typically on the road? I'd worry less about my grad if I knew the kids would be at Abe & Jake's until 7:00 a.m. (or even 6), which is how it was when I graduated. We did an overnight bowling/pizza party. 3:00 a.m. just seems like a bad time to send giddy, tired teens out on the streets. A lot of KU students will have cleared out by that weekend, but a lot of them stay year round. (Not that students have a corner on inebriated driving...)
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