Dinner benefits Gilbert’s Project Graduation

WINSTED — A lasagna dinner to benefit The Gilbert School’s Project Graduation program was cooked and served at the school on Saturday, Nov. 22.

The dinner was held at the school’s cafeteria.

Auction items were donated by parents and local businesses. Giant candy bars, games, Harry Potter dolls, gift cards for various local stores, a ping pong set and hats were just some of the many items.

Diane Shotwell’s daughter will be taking the trip at the end of the year. She volunteered to collect tickets for the dinner.

“The minute graduation is over they all board a bus and go to an unknown destination for an overnight party,” Shotwell said. “The parents were responsible for selling tickets and obtaining auction items. The parents meet and make the plans and arrangements in secret so the location of the trip is a surprise for the seniors.”

Senior Shanna Shotwell, 16, helped her mother collect tickets. She said she is excited about the trip.

“It’s a first-time experience,” Shanna said. “I’m excited to be able to spend time with my class after graduation. I have no idea where we’ll be going. My older sister went in 2011 and had a great time. They stayed up all night and just had fun together. I’m gonna miss my friends after I leave here.”

The school’s library assistant Siovhan Battista helped to organize the dinner.

“This is the 26th year for Project Graduation,” Battista said. “It’s a lot of fun and draws a lot of people. We usually make about half the money we need for the trip. We will be having more meetings to decide how to raise the rest of the money. People can send donations to the school marked for Project Graduation if they want to help.”

Dale Denning said her senior twin daughters are excited about the trip.

“It’s at a place that’s safe with no alcohol or drugs,” Denning said. “They’re there for the entire night. We bus them in, feed them, they have entertainment and they’re all together. Last year they had rock climbing, swimming, basketball and tennis. It’s the last time for them to be together as a class.”

Local resident John Stocker attended the dinner to help support the senior class.

“The food is great, and it’s one of the best dinners around,” Stocker said. “I was hungry, and it filled me up. I think Project Graduation is a good thing because you know where the kids are. They’re not out getting in trouble.”

Parent Kim Hubert volunteered to cook and serve the dinner.

“We’re raising money for a great cause,” Hubert said. “The kids get to have a drug- and alcohol-free party. I’ve had the privilege of being at the event, and the kids just kick back and have a good time. Parents don’t have to worry about them. They have lots of activities and great prizes. This gives them a safe opportunity to celebrate with their friends. Normally kids would just go home after graduation, and they may not see their friends again. They’re close-knit here. They’ve been together since kindergarten.”