MATTOON - High school senior Hannah Storm wasn't too thrilled with the idea of her mom and dad hanging out at her post-graduation gala.

But she learned that most of her friends' parents would be there, too.

"Then it was OK," said Hannah's mother, Kathy Storm.

She and husband, Jeff, are participating for the first time in Project Graduation - the annual parent-organized, all-night celebration that follows Mattoon High School commencement ceremonies.

And it likely won't be the Storms' last time helping with Project Graduation, if history is any indication.

Parents who are Project Graduation veterans said the fete isn't just about providing their kids a safe, substance-free place to party. Rather, it's almost a rite of passage for moms and dads who are transitioning from roles as primary caregivers to secondary safety nets, from executives to advisers, from parents of teenagers to parents of adults.

"It's just the final hurrah," said Jane Mann, chairwoman of this year's Project Graduation, which will be May 25 at Lake Land College.

Mann previously helped with Project Graduation in 1996, when her eldest son, Jay, received his diploma from Mattoon High School. This year, son Alek will don the cap and gown.

"There's a sense of accomplishment … knowing the parents have come together to give this final gift to our children," she said.

Next year, when daughter Makenzie is to finish her high school career, Mann will co-chair Project Graduation with Mike Genta, who has also been a previous organizer and will see his youngest child complete high school in 2008.

"Once you do it, you get it in your blood," Mann said.

This will be the 23rd year for Project Graduation.

Seniors are asked to sign a contract promising not to abandon the party at Lake Land's student union until morning.

Of course, organizers hope to make it worth the graduates' while. Those attending Project Graduation not only get to eat, play games, watch movies and dance all night, but they will leave with about $200 in prizes.

One student even walks away (or rather, drives away) with a car to be raffled off at Project Graduation.

Of course, organizers must pay for all of this. In addition to soliciting donations and discounts from dozens of area businesses, a drawing is held every year for either a $10,000 cash prize or a new car from KC Summers in Mattoon.

Raffle tickets cost $100 and can be purchased until the day of the drawing Saturday, May 19.

Those who cannot afford $100 tickets can buy up to one-tenth of a ticket and split any proceeds with other shared ticket-holders. For more information, contact Clyde and Martha Self, parents of senior Ethan Self and co-chairs of the fundraising committee, at 234-8290.

And the Selfs aren't the only subcommittee members who previously assisted in coordinating Project Graduation.

"As parents, we love it," said Don Portugal, who co-chairs the prize committee with his wife, Carol.

They first participated in Project Graduation in 2001, when son Kyle graduated. This year, son Kevin is a senior.

"The one thing you worry about on graduation night is for your children to be safe," said Don Portugal. "When you're able to provide a substance-free, safe all-night party, it just makes everybody feel good. The kids enjoy it; the parents like it."

As co-chairs of the prize committee, the Portugals seek donations from businesses for items the graduates can win at Project Graduation. Each senior is guaranteed a large prize, such as a television, DVD player or dorm room-size refrigerator, as well as a gift bag.

"Thanks to all of the area businesses, (we) are able to do something really nice," Portugal said.

Rick and Debbie Seaman, meanwhile, are co-chairs of the memorabilia committee, and they worked with Project Graduation when their children Josh and Kasey graduated in 2003 and 2006, respectively. This spring, son Lyle will earn his diploma.

"It's a great opportunity for parents to get involved, and it's wonderful for our students to see that their parents and their community care so much," Debbie Seaman said.

Organizers estimated that 40 to 50 parents attend the monthly Project Graduation meetings, while upwards of 100 parents help facilitate the celebration itself.

Mann added that many parents sign up to work a single shift during Project Graduation, but "once they get out there, they don't want to leave. (Parents) will end up staying because they're having such a good time."

In 2005, Tim and Carole Genta got involved with Project Graduation for the sake of their daughter Alexandra. This year, they are co-chairing the games committee because of son Nick.

"I wish they'd had it when I was in school,"said Carole Genta. "There's great food; they're with their friends all night long. It's unbelievable.

"You'd be a fool not to go."

Former Mattoon High School students also have fond memories of Project Graduation.

Mann's son Jay, who graduated in 1996, said he would like to see a similar sort of yearly activity established at the northern Illinois high school where he is taking a job as assistant principal.

"As an educator myself, anytime you have an opportunity to provide a safe environment for students to celebrate accomplishments, it's a great thing,"Jay Mann said.

"It also gives the kids a positive opportunity to interact with each other, and interact in a large scale.

"And it certainly was nice to be able to celebrate in the company of one's peers that one last time before we went our separate directions."

Nathaniel West can be reached at nwest@jg-tc.com or 238-6860.