By Michelle Stecker

Contributing Writer

With less than 90 days until 592 seniors in the Westlake High School class of 2010 graduate on June 3, the Project Graduation committee is seeking more parent volunteers and donations, both monetary and in-kind goods.

Debra Davis, co-chair of the event, said the annual event is completely dependent upon donations from senior parents, local businesses and other individuals and community supporters.

“We really need the community to be part of this,” Davis said, noting this is an especially challenging year as graduation occurs mid-week not allowing volunteers to rest after being up most of the night.

There is availability in every shift, starting in the afternoon of June 3 when parents this year’s junior class are needed for two- and three-hour shifts. Senior parents are needed throughout the evening from right after the 3 p.m. graduation to the 5 a.m. close on June 4.

“You’re supporting a drug and alcohol free event that keeps the kids off the streets, providing safety the community and a celebration for the kids,” Davis said.

Approximately 90 percent of seniors participate every year in attending the graduation event, which includes dodge ball, casino, video games (including Wii), karaoke, a movie room, suduko, ping pong, washers and food throughout the night and early morning.

Each student must ride the bus from the Erwin Center immediately after the graduation ceremony and present a signed contract that indicates the Project Graduation fee has been paid. The graduation fee is $35 through March 12 and $45 after that.

“There are very secure guidelines to be sure the evening stays drug and alcohol free,” Davis said.

Each student will win some prize, either from raffle drawings or from credits they are given at the start of the evening or from winnings they accumulate in the casino room and other contests. The students may then use their combined “earnings” to shop for prizes in an onsite “store” that only accepts credits.

A drawing for five grand prizes will be held during the last hour of the celebration.

During the last hour, from 4 a.m. to 5 a.m., Davis said there will be a live band to play songs that the graduates request.

All seniors who stay until the 5 a.m. will receive a cash reward. The amount has yet to be determined.

Contact senior volunteer coordinator Ami Jones at whspg2010@gmail.com and junior coordinator Marybeth Hunt at whspg2011@gmail.com.

To donate, visit www.whschaps.com or contact Karlene Guilbeau at kguilbeau@austin.rr.com or Patti Brennan at pabrennan@gmail.com.