Boothbay Region High School (BRHS) Class of 2026 hosted Spooky Walk & Halloween Movie, Oct. 25-26 at the school. The event, organized by students and parents, was the first major event to raise funds for Project Graduation. A little rain did not deter thrill-seekers, more than 200 over the weekend.

Students who were dressed as ghouls and goblins (and worse) haunted event-goers as they walked through the forest beside the school’s tennis courts. Decorations hung from trees, lit the path and created a chilling atmospheric vibe for the event’s main attraction. Well-hidden in the forest setting, several jump scares awaited; screams (and a chainsaw) could be heard as far away as the Hannaford parking lot. If terror was not your cup of tea, the event also offered a family-friendly woodland trail for younger guests. “Casper” (Stoner & Oliver, 1995) was projected on an inflatable movie screen on the practice field. A hearty offering of concessions, including chili, mac and cheese, hot dogs, popcorn and baked goods, was available by donation and hot cider provided warmth after the sun went down.

The recently formed Project Graduation Board consists of: President, Michele Ripley; VP, Amanda Babineau; Treasurer, Angelica Murray; Secretary, Jen Orchard. The Board works with the Class of 2026 student government to accomplish fundraising goals. In the past, classes have aimed for $20,000-$25,000, conditional on the class’s decision of a trip to take. The class has not voted for the 2026 trip, said class President Madeline Andreasen, who will provide information at the next Project Graduation meeting, scheduled for Nov. 19. Parents of seniors are encouraged to attend the meetings (in person and Zoom options), held Wednesday nights, monthly, through graduation: Nov. 19, Dec. 17, Jan. 21, Feb. 25, Mar. 18, Apr. 15 and May 20 at the school.

Along with the Alumni Basketball game, the Spooky Walk & Halloween Movie event began last year and will likely become an annual event due to popularity and fundraising significance. Also new is Chuck-a-Duck, a game where participants buy rubber ducks for a dollar, and then at a specific time (usually halftime), they throw their ducks towards a target to win a prize. Kaitlin James, elementary school librarian, made the massive Seahawks target.

From board meeting minutes, the fundraising line-up includes a combination of other new event ideas in the planning stage and the tried-and-true; letters to local businesses are slated for January, proceeds from bag sales during Fishing for Fashion are imminent and the bottle bins continue to produce revenue. Next, the class will sell baked goods at the Legion Craft Fair on Nov. 15.