In 1979, seven teens died as a result of drugs and alcohol during the graduation season in the Oxford Hills area of Maine. As a result of this tragic experience, Oxford Hills began offering their students an alternative to a graduation night of drinking and driving. They called it Project Graduation, and by 1986, all fifty states hosted a Project Graduation.
Graduation is a time of celebration. It’s a major marker in the life of a teen and, in many ways, symbolizes graduation into adulthood. This is an exciting time for seniors and families. Remember: Your future is greater than one night of irresponsible partying. Project Graduation is a safe, fun and innovative way to celebrate graduation with classmates and friends.
CDAC has provided coordination and technical assistance for Project Graduation since 1985. Every year, CDAC staff assists in the development, funding and implementation of this great program with the help of parents, volunteers, donors and high school seniors. CDAC sincerely thanks our 2011 sponsors, listed here. We encourage everyone to get behind this wonderful initiative that keeps teens from drinking and driving. To donate, click here for a sponsorship form.
The details of CDAC’s participation are as follows:
- Initiates the development of a Project Graduation Planning Committee for each school’s graduating class in Escambia and Santa Rosa
- Provides each committee an updated Project Graduation Manual
- Hosts monthly meetings for committee chairpersons to plan and share ideas
- Coordinates the development of the art for each year’s shirt proudly worn at Project Graduation and for years to come
- Raises funds so that each senior attending Project Graduation gets a shirt
- Provides all print materials for Project Graduation events