Project Graduation at Ray-Pec High School began in 1986 with an assignment in College Prep 1, a senior honors English class. Students wrote an “I Search” paper, selection any topic they genuinely wished to find out about. Shara Clevenger, senior class president, wrote about chemical free parties. She called other Kansas City area high schools, collected facts, and presented her ideas and information in a paper. She proposed that the same type of celebration be initiated at Ray-Pec, and so it began.
An adult volunteer for Project Graduation at Grandview was invited to address a meeting of parents and students interested in starting the project. The fund raising began and the biggest concern all year was “Will the seniors come?”
That night after the 1987 graduation ceremonies, the seniors came for fun, food, games, bowling and prizes at the first location, Hickman Mills’ Capitol Bowl. Over eighty percent of the seniors showed up. The tradition had begun.
Project Graduation at Ray-Pec has a long history of parent, school and community support. Shara Clevenger went on to graduate from William Jewell College with honors. Parents have continued to work on this worthwhile activity, giving their time, money, work and love for this event every year.