Project Prom/Graduation seeks donations

By Phil Cobb | February 5, 2016 |

TONY BROWN/DAILY FORUM
Janet Cacek, this year’s Project Prom/Project Graduation committee chair, accepts a $50 donation Thursday from Worshipful Master Bob Theodore of the Maryville Masonic Lodge. For more than 20 years, Project Prom/Project Graduation has sponsored alcohol-free social gatherings for Maryville High School students following the two hallmark events of the spring semester.

Project Prom and Projection Graduation, a local volunteer effort that hosts alcohol-free celebrations for Maryville High School students following the two hallmark events of the spring semester, is currently raising funds to support this year’s gatherings.

Project Prom/Project Graduation committee chair Janet Cacek said Thursday that the group usually spends around $6,000 a year on food, entertainment, inflatables, photograph services, and door prizes related to three annual events.

This year’s Project Prom gathering will take place May 7-8 between midnight and 4 a.m. at Maryville Middle School following the MHS prom, which will be held again this year at the Maryville Community Center.

Activities will include a hypnotist, photo booth, games, refreshments, and prizes.

Before the prom, all those attending the annual MHS gala and dance are invited to take part in the organization’s Red Carpet Event at the Community Center, where students and their dates will be introduced to the public and have their pictures taken.

Project Graduation is scheduled for commencement evening, Sunday, May 15, at Maryville Middle School and offers new graduates a chance to gather with classmates to reminisce about their high-school years.

Again, the event will include food, activities, games, and prizes in an alcohol– and drug-free environment.

“We are reaching out to parents, grandparents, and other individual supporters in our community to join us in monetary support to make these projects a reality again this year,” Cacek said. “We are aware that the current economy causes all of us to be in a financial crunch, so any contribution you are able to give will be appreciated.”

Cacek said that due to the community’s generosity, the post-prom and post-graduation events have been offered to students free of charge in each of the past 21 years.

“This important investment in our students is nothing compared to the loss of even one student to an alcohol- or drug-related accident,” she said.

Those wishing to make a donation should make checks payable to MHS-PP&PG and mail contributions to MHS Project Prom/Graduation, care of Janet Cacek, 26724 MacArthur Drive, Maryville, MO, 64468.