Dear Editor,

Last summer, a group of friends in the BRHS graduating class of 2008 were speaking together sitting down on the public dock with their bare feet dangling in the harbor water. They were saying to each other that only now, as they eyed college on the near horizon, had they come to value what our unique community has meant to them. They felt blessed to have been raised here. They knew the time to leave was coming soon.

Since the 1980s when tragedies marred graduation nights, parents and community members have made it their mission to provide an exciting alternative to all night parties by creating an annual Project Graduation event. Project Graduation produces a safe and wildly fun event to protect our beloved kids.

Over their school years this class of seniors, like the classes before them and like those that follow them, have worked hard to raise funds for their Project Graduation event. Right now, a short term fund-raiser is going on in our towns to pile up enough cash to defray remaining costs of their class trip. Without your help the Class of 2008 won't be able to fully fund their spree.

We, the parents of this graduating class, appreciate our community's generous support of Project Graduation in years past. Please consider giving once more to this commendable cause.

If you have questions, you may speak with Betty Maddocks at 380-2684. Please send contributions to BOOTHBAY REGION PROJECT GRADUATION, P.O. Box 562, Boothbay, ME 04537.

Sincerely and Gratefully,

Peter Panagore,

Parent of the Class of 2008

East Boothbay