Project Graduation Needs Your Help

By Lois Swoboda
Times Staff Writer

Project Graduation of Franklin County is raising funds in support of their annual drug and alcohol-free lock-down party on the night of the first graduation ever at Franklin County High School
This year's party will be held on graduation night, Friday, June 6, from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m. The evening will include games, music, prizes and lots of food.
Final plans are now in the works for a location, which could be Carrabelle Christian Center, the Armory or even the new high school, depending on completion.
There are several ways to donate to Project Graduation. Accounts to make a monetary donation have been opened at Gulf State Community Bank, Apalachicola State Bank and Superior Bank for Project Graduation 2008.
Two other programs are in place where one can make a donation to the lock-down, while helping to beautify the new school's campus.
A donation of $150 will buy a living tree to be planted at the new school. Donors will also have a "leaf" bearing their name or a dedication displayed on a "tree" on the wall of the new school's foyer. Part of the proceeds from this program will help the graduating students by providing scholarship money and activity for Project Graduation 2008.
A $100 donation will purchase a granite stepping stone, to be displayed on school grounds that can be inscribed with any chosen dedication.
"We have been advertising and have sold quite a few trees," said Jackie Etheridge, one of the parents who are working with the project. "We thank those so very much that have participated and helped us and the environment out so far. We are still taking orders."
Gina Irvin, of Carrabelle, another concerned parent, said people can still purchase the trees and stones by sending a donation to Project Graduation 2008, 661 U.S. 98, Eastpoint, FL 32328 or by simply giving their money and information to any parent working with Project Graduation."
"We will take any and all donations, including new items to give away to the seniors on graduation night at the lock-in. Items they might need in college, something for boys, things for girls, things that can be for either," said Etheridge.
Items can be dropped off at the Eastpoint Church of God and Donna Crum's storage trailer. To make arrangements or if you need directions please call Pam Shiver 653-6904, Donna Crum 653-7353, Jackie Etheridge 348-9554 or Gina Irvin 646-0035.
Project Graduation is also selling raffle tickets for $10 for a drawing to be held on Saturday, May 12. The lucky winner will be treated to four nights in a luxurious house in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The vacation house sleeps 18 people. The winner will also receive a $100 gas card.
To view the house visit, www.vrbo.com/11357. Exclusion dates will apply. Contact Debbie Nichols 653-5298, Donna Crum 653-7353, Pam Shiver 653-8526 or Zoe Segree 323-0380 for tickets or information.
The group is also planning a men's softball game on Saturday, May 10. The game will be held at the new Kendrick Sports Complex in Carrabelle. To take part, call Lloyd Alford at 653-6304.
"I just think that people forget or don't understand what Project Graduation represents," said Etheridge. "It's one night a year that we can do what we can to keep our kids inspired, bribed, whatever it takes to keep them safe on the one night a year that it's the most dangerous. Mothers Against Drunk Driving started this and it's absolutely saved lives over the years."
For more information on this year's Project Graduation, visit their Webpage at www.projectgraduation2008seniors.ning.com