Graduates again have ticket to ride at annual party

Seniors from each Lawrence high school will be eligible to win a 1994 Honda del Sol by attending the Project Graduation party May 25. Representing their schools are, from left, seniors Erika O'Shea, Bishop Seabury Academy; Marie Fattaahi and Isaiah Dover, Veritas Christian School; Taylor Bussinger, Lawrence High; and Tristan Willits, Free State.

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.