Project Graduation Getting Wild with 'Souhegan Survivor'

Graduating Souhegan seniors have a big adventure ahead once they get their diploma, but an annual event makes sure they have one more before they leave.

Project Graduation has been providing these outgoing seniors a fun, safe last hurrah for the past eight years. It is an all-night drug- and alcohol-free opportunity for all graduates to celebrate their accomplishments. Past celebrations have included comedians, palm readers, rides, food and other exciting all-night activities.

Each year has a different theme to accompany the celebrations, but the group has something special up their sleeves this year. This year’s seniors will have to get ready to compete in “Souhegan Survivor.”

Project Graduation committee co-chair Peg Bennett joins co-chair Lisa Maresco in organizing this year's event. She said that the students will challenge each other at laser domination, tug of war and other Survivor-like competitions.

Get the war paint ready because this will be a night to remember.

“The kids are going to love it,” said Bennett. “They can compete or cheer on their classmates. We are so psyched for this year.”

This popular event has a large majority of the student population participating at the event each year, which is held at the Hampshire Dome in Milford. Bennett has joined the effort because she wants to continue giving students an opportunity to celebrate, without the danger of possible drunk driving.

“I’ve done it all the years because i think it is such a fantastic event. I’m glad my kid has a safe place to go after graduation,” said Bennett, who has a student graduating this year.

Fellow committee member Laurie Holbrook agrees.

“The idea was to give seniors a safe place to be graduation night. Not at parties driving around, or possibly drinking while driving. They are all together, and participation has gotten better and better each year.”

Project Graduation’s events and activities are funded by donations each year, and they also give students table and raffle prizes each year. These include items they can use for college, such as televisions, furniture and refrigerators.

Community support is a big key to the success of each year’s event, as the committee tries to raise over $5,000 each year to support the festivities. They also work to leave money in their fund to help the next batch of senior parents organize future events.

Holbrook said that this year’s Project Graduation committee is seeking donations from the community to ensure another successful year. No donation is too large or too small; donations of prize items and gift cards are also encouraged, as raffles and competitions will be held all night to keep the excitement going.

Another way to support their efforts is to attend the “Shop till you Drop’ shopping fundraiser at P.J. MacWilliams Bon Bon on Thursday, March 28 from 6-8:30 p.m.

Donations can be mailed to:

Project Graduation

c/o Meg Dworkin

12 Homestead Rd

Amherst, NH 03031

(Please make checks out to SHS-PTSA. Donations are tax-deductible.)

If you are interested in getting involved with Project Graduation, contact Peg Bennett at peg.bennett@comcast.net.