Students from all over the county will have an opportunity to get all of the questions and concerns about the graduation project addressed at “Junior Jump Night” on May 7 at the Richmond Senior High cafeteria. The evening is designed to prepare high school juniors, who want to get a jumpstart, for work on the Graduation Project. The evening will cover various aspects of the graduation project.

Sharon Johnson, Graduation Project Coordinator for Richmond County Schools, says she hopes that students and parents will gain a wealth of information by attending the event.

“We want these students to have the option of starting during the summer, if they would like to.” Johnson said. “It’s important that they know exactly what they need to do, before they reach senior year.”

The event begins at 5:30 p.m. and will give students and opportunity to see products, portfolios and tri-fold presentations of previous students. Students and parents will also have the opportunity to ask questions during the event.

Ebony Littlejohn, junior at Richmond Senior High School plans to attend, and hopes the will have even more information to help her get ready for her senior project.

"I think Junior Jump Night will give a visual idea of what we can do.” Littlejohn said. “It plants an idea in your head."

Students and parents will also have an opportunity to speak with students who have already completed the project, some of whom have very good advice about choosing topics and working on the projects.

The Richmond County Board of Education adopted the graduation requirement during this school year, prior to the state’s scheduled adoption of it for next year. Even through the State Board of Education has postponed requiring it for another year, students in Richmond County Schools will still be required to complete the project to graduate. The Richmond County Board Policy will keep the project in effect until it becomes a state requirement.

The Junior Jump Night is a reminder that the earlier students get started on their projects, the better off they will be as they work through the process. Principal Cory Satterfield will also share other information with students.

For more information about Junior Jump Night, please contact Sharon Johnson, Graduation Project Coordinator, at 997-9812 ext. 4131.