Project Celebration

The tradition known as Project Celebration dates back to the year 1989 here in Belton. Project Celebration offers graduating Seniors of Belton High School an alcohol, drug-free opportunity to gather with friends to celebrate their accomplishments. The idea began to circulate the states in the 1980’s as an alternative solution for high school students as they made plans to celebrate graduating from high school. Parents from the graduating class of ’89 approached the Belton Independent School District’s school board with the concept and the foundation of the tradition took shape from there.

“Some of the parents of the seniors graduating that year discussed not having the students meet at the school but at another location in Belton. Many of the parents were members of the First United Methodist Church in Belton where it was eventually agreed to have the kids meet in the Family Life Center of the church. Providing breakfast for the students also became part of the event,” said First United Methodist Church member Jay Taggart.

“I was and still am a member of the group Methodist Men, they are the group responsible for providing the breakfast to the students. We have a spaghetti supper every year in late April, early May, to raise money for the breakfast. We always encourage the community to attend the supper since we are needing funds for approximately 300 to 400 students,” said Taggart.

Taggart is a native of Belton and graduated from BHS in 1968. He also served as Secretary in 1988 and President in the years 1993 to 2000 for the BISD school board.

Funds are raised each year by students and parents representing all of the high school grade levels. Peaceable Kingdom in Killeen will be hosting this year’s celebration. Dinner will be provided to students immediately following graduation ceremonies. The funds raised are used to provide the dinner for the students and prizes for the multiple drawings made throughout the evening. Some of prizes being considered for this year; a Yeti cooler, Yeti cups, fishing poles, Go Pros, and gift cards to varies surrounding restaurants.

This year’s fundraisers include a Glow Run and a Pancake Breakfast. The Glow Run is April 9 at Belton’s Confederate Park from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students and kids under five are free. Each paid participate will receive a free T-shirt. Applebee’s in Temple will be hosting the Pancake Breakfast April 16 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Tickets are $10 each and include pancakes, choice of bacon or sausage, eggs, and tea or coffee.

Preparations for a golf tournament fundraiser is currently being discussed and updated information can be found on Facebook at Belton Project Celebration.

The next Project Celebration meeting is Feb. 8 at 6:45 p.m. at the BHS commons. For information on donating to Project Celebration, please contact Jodi Mees at 254-493-8989 or Allison Trevino at 254-541-3845.