Project Graduation started in Maine back in 1980 as a chem-free way for high school seniors to celebrate graduating from high school. Some senior classes go to amusement parks, while others book overnight cruises for their Project Graduation. But the Hermon students are taking a more simplistic approach - they plan to spend the night shut in at their school playing games, watching movies and giving away prizes such as gas cards and TVs.
"Every student will go home with a prize," said Dyer. "The car show is going to help with that, and it'll be helpful to the community as well."
Brendon and his classmates are hoping 100 sets of wheels will participate in their fundraiser on May 5, but if 200 cars show up, that would be even better.
"We'll have 21 different classes ranging from best of the '50s, '60s and '70s. And since Mustangs and Corvettes are very popular, they'll get their own class," explained Dyer, whose father will be one of the judges at the car show.
"In the late '90s, Hermon used to have the biggest car show in the state with the Super Chevys of Maine car show at the elementary school. The president of that club moved and we haven't had anything since," explained Steve Dyer. "Next year is Hermon's Bicentennial, so this [car show] will be a springboard for that. [Plus] it's a great family activity."
Registration is $10 per vehicle. The car show will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Hermon High School on Sunday, May 5 and admission is free to the public.
"We want a big turnout from the public," said Brendon. "We want everyone to have a chance to check out the show, and if people want to chip in for our effort [with Project Graduation] we'll have a donation bucket available."