Project Graduation returns for RHS seniors
After a year’s hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, parents of Ruston High School graduating seniors are reviving the tradition of Project Graduation, a supervised late-night celebration following the Bearcats’ commencement ceremony.
Taking place at the Louisiana Tech Baptist Collegiate Ministries building immediately after graduation on Tuesday, graduates will be in for a night of fun, games and a host of prize items they can use in the next chapter of their lives.
“We really just want the kids to have an opportunity to be together and celebrate in a substance-free environment where they’re safe,” said Andrea Phillips, one of the parents organizing the event.
Unsure until the past few weeks whether or not they’d be able to hold the event this year, the Project Graduation team is working on an accelerated schedule to prepare the festivities, and they’re seeking monetary and item donations from the community.
“We’re hoping that within the next week we’ll have everything we need to buy all the prizes,” Phillips said. “Things that will help them as they get started in life and in college.”
Those wanting to help can send monetary donations via the sVenmo app to the account @RHSProjectGraduation or mail checks made to RHS Project Graduation to Barbara Russell at 300 Arkansas Street in Ruston.
Donated items can be dropped off at Gregg Phillips State Farm Insurance, 212 W. Florida Ave. in Ruston.
“Our community has been incredibly gracious to donate,” Phillips said. “We’re going to tell the kids, ‘This is your community that loves you and invests in you.’”
The festivities at the BCM will include a pingpong tournament, cornhole and other games, karaoke, and a pancake breakfast at midnight in addition to the prize giveaways. The event will last until 2 a.m.
“It feels normal again, to be able to do this,” Phillips said. “The kids have been so great. They’ve adapted through all the different changes of the past year. They’ve taken it in stride, and we’re just excited to be able to do this for them.”
