About Project Graduation
Project Graduation originated in the Oxford Hills area (Paris/Norway) of Maine in 1980, as a collaborative effort fueled by community engagement spurred by a state initiative. Since its inception, it has been acknowledged as a pioneering model nationwide, aimed at safeguarding the well-being of graduating seniors.
In 1978, the Division of Alcohol and Drug Education Services, under Maine's Department of Education, partnered with the Bureau of Safety to launch an Alcohol, Other Drugs and Highway Safety Prevention/Intervention Program. This initiative sought to empower local schools and communities to address issues related to alcohol and substance abuse.
Teams from Oxford Hills and five other communities underwent extensive training provided by the division. Equipped with an 11-day immersive training session followed by ongoing guidance, these teams developed action plans to implement comprehensive alcohol and drug prevention programs within their communities.
Driven by the desire to prevent tragedies like the seven alcohol and drug-related teen deaths in 1979, the Drug and Alcohol Team of Oxford Hills (DATOH) spearheaded efforts to educate the Class of 1980 at Oxford Hills High School about the risks associated with drinking, drug use, and driving. They introduced an alternative to the traditional graduation-night drinking event, calling it "Project Graduation," a chemical-free celebration. This initiative garnered significant media coverage and was endorsed as a major program by the Division of Alcohol and Drug Education Services.
Through concerted efforts and media outreach in Maine, Project Graduation gained traction beyond Oxford Hills, expanding to 12 sites in 1981 and reaching 86 sites by 1983, coinciding with a decline in alcohol-related teen highway deaths. By 1986, Project Graduation had expanded to 139 sites, involving 98% of Maine's high schools and attracting 80% of the graduating seniors.
The success of Project Graduation drew national attention, with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services selecting it as one of eight national models showcased at a conference in Washington, D.C., in 1983. This recognition prompted other states, including Florida and Texas, to explore replicating the project in their regions.
In subsequent years, Project Graduation gained further momentum, with a National Project Graduation Conference held in Springfield, Illinois, in 1984, attracting delegations from 38 states. By 1986, Project Graduation had expanded to all 50 states and two Canadian provinces, receiving coverage in national publications like Good Housekeeping and Woman's Day.
By 1990, Project Graduation had made significant strides in reducing youth fatalities attributed to drinking, drugging, and driving in Maine during the graduation season, with no reported incidents for three consecutive years. Recognized as more than just a graduation night event, Project Graduation fosters a community-wide planning process that promotes a caring environment and facilitates open communication between youths and adults.
Central to Project Graduation's success is the students' commitment to enjoying their graduation night without alcohol or drugs, emphasizing personal responsibility and empowerment in maintaining a chemical-free celebration, distinguishing it from other school-related functions.
Source: Wikipedia
FAQ’s
When was Project Graduation started?
Project Graduation was started at Oxford Hills High School right here in Maine in 1980. This time-honored tradition began in Cape Elizabeth in the late 1980s.
What is Project Graduation and why is it important?
Project Graduation was designed to give graduating seniors a fun and safe graduation night experience, allowing them to all be together in an organized, adult-supervised, chemical-free environment without the risk of drinking and driving.
Will my student be invited to Project Graduation?
If your student is a Senior at Cape Elizabeth High School, then yes! Project Graduation is planned exclusively for the Cape Elizabeth High School Class of 2024 - this is for the newly graduated students only; members of the high school administration and adult chaperones (traditionally parents of Junior students) will accompany them.
When does Project Graduation Start and End?
Traditionally, the event runs from late afternoon, after graduation, until sunrise the next day. Project Graduation takes place on June 7-8, 2026.
What will the students do during Project Graduation?
This is an all-inclusive, fun-filled night, and it is a surprise. Events in past years have included DJ music, dancing, tournaments and competitions, casino games, arcade games, interactive gaming stations, photo booth, performers (think magic show or hypnotist), mini-golf, bowling, “tattoo” artists, and lots of food and drink. Students may travel up to two hours away.
What does the cost per student cover?
The cost (roughly $300) includes transportation, meals, snacks and drinks, a full night of exciting activities, entertainment, and prizes.
Why are we fundraising?
Year after year, our amazing and generous community comes together to support Project Graduation and offset the associated costs. This is a large fundraising undertaking, but we recognize that a fun-filled alternative to drinking and driving will far outweigh the expense, and we do not want cost to deter any student from joining the celebration.
How do I donate?
A quick and easy way to donate is to use the QR Code. When donating, please take a moment and enter your student’s name in the PERSONALIZE NOTES window before exiting the Venmo app.
When will we know where they go?
Project Graduation adventures are kept secret ahead of time, but students are guaranteed fast-moving fun with smooth vibes, lots of laughs, dancing, singing, snacks, and games. Their final celebration of togetherness as a class starts when they hop on the bus to go both near and far. A town parade sends them off in the early evening, and they return to CEHS just before dawn on the next day, full of memories to cap off an unforgettable Senior Year.