NORWAY – Project Graduation appears to be on.

“In the beginning it was touch and go,” admitted Nancy Henderson of the Project Graduation event committee. In question was the group’s ability to raise enough money and volunteers this year to continue the tradition started at the high school 28 years ago and spread nationwide.

The event, which provides a substance-free all night party for seniors on the evening of graduation, was prompted by the death of nine Oxford County young people and the serious injury of a handful of others in a two-month period prior to the 1979 graduation season. Last year 150 of the 268 graduating students came to the party.

“We started a little in the hole. We’re up to about $12,000,” said Henderson. The committee generally plans to raise about $18,000 to $20,000.

Although some events will be cut back this year, Henderson said a successful Chinese auction, hunter’s breakfast, spaghetti supper and Mason’s supper raised a good deal of the $12,000 and ensured the event will continue.

A number of businesses have made donations to the event, including local radio station WOXO and the Portland Pirates, McDonald’s and others.

“We couldn’t do it without them,” said Henderson of the businesses that have supported the event through donations and in other ways.

“We still have a month to go, and we could use some more help,” said Henderson. “We are busy gathering food and gifts for the night of the celebration. We also need more chaperones.”

Anyone who would like to volunteer or make a donation should contact Henderson at 674-2936, Richard Cormier, the Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School graphic arts teacher, or other committee members.