Co-Chairs of CHCCS Project Graduation, Aylin McGowan of Carrboro High School, Natalie Fitzhugh from Chapel Hill High School, and Ellie Zerden of East Chapel Hill High School spoke with 97.9 The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey on Monday, May 18. They discussed the purpose and history of Project Graduation, what they expect at this year’s event, what motivated them to get involved, and more. They also shared this year’s fundraising goal, which they are still 20k away from. Community members who wish to help support Project Graduation can find more information and donate at the Project Graduation Website.
This post is sponsored by Project Graduation.
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Preparation for Project Graduation 2026 is Underway! — On Air Today (Mar. 24, 2026)Project Graduation student co-chairs Ellie Zerden, Aylin McGowan and Natalie Fitzhugh share details of this year's party with 97.9 The Hill.
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On Air Today: Project Graduation Cochairs Betty Buckley and Alyssa DepasqualeChapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Project Graduation Student Co-Chairs Betty Buckley and Alyssa Depasquale joined 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, June 3. They discussed the upcoming Project Graduation event for graduating seniors in CHCCS. They previewed the night's lineup of entertainment, thanked some important local sponsors, discussed why the event is important to them and the community, and more. Most importantly, they discussed the need to continue raising funds, as they still need $25,000 to reach their goal.
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On Air Today: Project Graduation Co-Chairs Betty Buckley, Alyssa Depasquale, and Ruthie SoccorsoThe Co Chairs of Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Project Graduation joined 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, March 25. Betty Buckley from Carrboro High School, Alyssa Depasquale from Chapel Hill High School, and Ruthie Soccorso from East Chapel Hill High shared background and planning for this year's Project Graduation event. They discussed the need for volunteers and this year's fundraising goals.

Chapel Hill - Carrboro High School Seniors Prepare for 27th Project GraduationChapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools’ annual Project Graduation takes place this weekend, which gives graduating seniors an event to celebrate free of alcohol and drugs. This will be the 27th Project Graduation, and Chapel Hill High senior and organizer Jesse Kim says the event takes nearly all year to plan. “It’s the annual drug-and-alcohol-free celebration for […]
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