History of Project Graduation

​​​​​​​In 1979, the community of OxfordHills, Maine experienced seven alcohol and drug related teen deaths during the commencement season of that year. In the wake of these tragedies, the community rallied together to offer the next year’s seniors a safe and alternative event.  The party was held at the local fair grounds and called “Project Graduation”. The event was a huge success and became the model for the nation, helping to protect the lives of graduating seniors in all states. To read the original 1980 newspaper article, click HERE. 

Project Graduation has become much more than an event that occurs on graduation night. It is a community-wide planning process that strives to create a caring, supportive and SAFE drug and alcohol free environment for our teenagers during this very exciting time in their lives.

Anderson High School has been providing Project Graduation since 1999.  Each year, approximately 85% of the graduating class attends the FREE all-night event. Please join us and help make this a memorable evening for our graduates!