Volunteer Chairman Wanted for Project Graduation

"Project Graduation" at Watchung Hills Regional High School has a tradition of providing graduating seniors with a safe, final night with their friends, preceded by a full year of activities, including a senior breakfast, a Valentine's Day activity and a panoramic photo of the senior class.

But there's one thing that the group of volunteers who arrange Project Graduation don't have this year: A chairperson.

The school's PTO president, Kristy Hartman, said she has been handling some of the responsibilities of pulling together Project Graduation as acting chairwoman. But someone, she said, is needed to take on the position for the full year by themselves — or with a co-chairman.

About 250, or half of last year's graduating class, took part in Project Graduation on graduation night itself, she said. But she added that virtually all seniors during their final school attend and participate in some of the Project Graduation activities.

Those pre-graduation activities are scheduled during the school day to reach the most seniors possible, she said.

In recent years, Hartman said, the position has often been successfully handled by co-chairs who were friends.

Those who already have showed interest in volunteering on some of the committees are invited to this year's first Project Graduation, which Hartman said is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 9, in the media center of the high school.

This year's first official Parent-Teacher Organization meeting is scheduled to be held at 7:30 p.m. in the media center/library at the high school, Hartman said. "We encourage you to attend and lend a hand," the PTO said in issuing an invitation to the community.

On Tuesday, Hartman said the chairman or co-chairs of Project Graduation usually set their own meeting times.

Hartman said anyone who might be considering volunteering for the position should be aware that much help and support would be available from other volunteer parents such as herself.

She said anyone interested in volunteering to lead Project Graduation should contact her at kahqueen@aol.com or at 908-510-1619.