The Boothbay Region High School Class of 2018 is currently applying for college, playing sports, doing theatre, chorus and many other extra-curricular activities. However, there is one thing on the mind of each student and parent: graduation. As years prior have done, the class is looking to go on a Project Graduation trip.

Project Graduation aims to give the graduates a way to celebrate their life achievement without the use of drugs or alcohol. This will be Boothbay’s 25th Project Graduation trip, and while they have not selected their destination, they are anxious to continue fundraising.

This year’s seniors are one of the largest classes Boothbay has seen in recent years, with 62 seniors looking to graduate. Due to this, the cost of Project Graduation is projected to be more expensive than in years past, thus there will be more fundraising to ensure the class can experience an enjoyable trip! This summer the class organized a car wash fundraiser to “kick-off” the fundraising. The class would also like to thank Ted Brown for taking time away from work to assist us. Another highly successful car wash was held this fall at the ambulance station.

Then, early in the school year, the class was also able to help run a fashion show where the proceeds benefited Project Graduation. The show was a part of the Boothbay Harbor Fest activities, which is run by Lori Reynolds. The students were able to see the production side of the show, as the seniors volunteered to model, run the ticket booth, and held signs introducing the models. Dana Paolillo, the founder of the event, put in countless hours, met with multiple senior class officers, orchestrated the venue, met with store owners and original designers, and put together the overall production of the show. The show was amazing and was very successful — all due to the volunteer effort of Paolillo, who has no children in this class. The Project Graduation committee and students are extremely thankful for her time and effort that she dedicated to the trip’s funds!

Looking ahead, there will be a multitude of fundraisers coming up. This Saturday there will be a baked goods stand in front of Shear Artistry for Early Bird. The class will then sell warm drinks and goodies for the people awaiting the shuttle for Gardens Aglow at the Boothbay Harbor Fire Department Dec. 8 and 9. On Men’s Night the seniors will be selling grilled food as well as baked goods and will be gift wrapping. There will be the ever-popular 50/50 raffle at the home basketball games this year, as well as the concession stand will be run by the committee during the girls’ basketball games. At some point during the school year there will be a breakfast at Robinson’s Wharf, which was a great fundraiser for last year’s class.

More specific dates and times for the fundraisers will be determined at another time. Our class looks forward to seeing the community come to some of these events!