Project Graduation Seeking Donations
February 8, 2010

As reported in the

The Greenville High School Project Graduation Committee is asking for community support.

In an effort to increase the graduation rate at Greenville High School, an incentive was created four years ago called Project Graduation.

According to Brad Press, Greenville Independent School District spokesman, the graduation rate has continued to rise from 76.3 percent in 2006, to 84.2 percent in 2007 to 89 percent in 2008.

"This is an incredible improvement, but our goal is 100 percent," said Cheri Kroncke, Project Graduation chairman.

The event, essentially a lock-in, is aimed at helping seniors enjoy a graduation celebration safely, as national statistics indicate that more teenage alcohol-related accidents and fatalities occur on the night of high school graduations than any other time of the year.

It will be a night of safe celebrations and a vast and varied amount of recreation.

"We have the entertainment lined up already, we just need the funds to support it," said Kroncke.  "We've got a hypnotist coming and will have a casino set up in the library with fake money the kids can use to purchase gifts from the store set up just for them."

All graduates go home with prizes starting with $5 gift cards up to laptops, dorm refrigerators and microwaves.

"Basically anything we can get donated," said Kroncke.  "If we don't have a lot of items donated, we'll use monetary donations to purchase the prizes."

Monetary donations are always welcome and can be given in any amount.  Donations of items and food are also welcome, as there will be some 200 hungry seniors in attendance, and donated items can be used in the gift shop or given away as prizes.

According to Kroncke, it takes roughly $13,000 to put together all the entertainment for the night.

"We want to give them one last celebration with their classmates in a safe environment," said Kroncke.  "Our goal is to make this celebration a truly memorable vent."

For more information on Project Graduation or how you can support this event contact Kroncke at 903-450-7994 or ckroncke@att.net or Bonita Malone at 214-912-8602.