Matthew Tyrrell, a 2012 graduate of Ironwood Ridge High School in Tucson, Ariz., capped off his high school career with not just a diploma but also a 2003 Kia Optima, newly refurbished by Caliber Collision in Tucson, a sponsor of Project Graduation.
Tyrrell was the lucky grand prize winner in a drawing held pre-dawn after Ironwood Ridge’s graduation ceremony. Project Graduation is a drug/alcohol free, all-night evening of fun and safety on graduation night that Caliber Collision in Tucson has sponsored since its inception in 2004. The national program’s goal is to keep graduating seniors off the roads on one of the most dangerous nights of the year.
The original vehicle was purchased with donations from parents and community support, and then completely refurbished by Caliber Collision. Other local businesses that donated services for the vehicle included Dent Solutions, Big O Tires, Lefty’s Custom Striping, Mercado Del Rio Car Wash and The Specialist.
“It’s very rewarding to again be part of this important program to keep our kids safe,” said Patrick O’Neill, Caliber’s vice president of operations in Arizona-Nevada. “We congratulate the parent volunteers and local business community for
their tireless efforts and support to make Project Graduation such a big
success.”
According to Joyce Contrades, chair of Project Graduation, 95 percent of the senior class participated in the event this year and its success “has everything to do with the grand prize car giveaway, which would not have been possible without the generous contributions of Caliber Collision and other local businesses.”
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