For the fifth straight year, Broken Arrow corporate citizen Jerry Ferguson, owner of the Ferguson Superstore car dealership, has worked with Project Graduation to provide a new car to a new Broken Arrow High School graduate.

Following graduation on May 8, most of the new graduates (over 99% of the 1000 student Class of 2008) then spent the rest of the evening and early morning hours celebrating at Project Graduation. 

The 19^th annual event is Broken Arrow’s safe celebration for graduating seniors, who can spend an alcohol free/drug free night full of fun, food, entertainment and prizes,  including a brand new 2008 Pontiac G-5 donated by Ferguson Superstore of Broken Arrow.

Five lucky graduates who attended Project Graduation had their names called (at random) for the opportunity to win the car.  The five (Andrew Blankenship, Corbey Christian, Bradyn Ledford, Taylor York, and Robert Burger III) each received a key from the Ferguson dealership, but only one key would actually start the prized car in a special ceremony held following the Rooster Day Parade May 10.

With Newson6 Meteorologist Travis Meyer serving as Master of Ceremonies, the drama of who had the key to start the car lasted only until the second attempt.  Corbey Christian slid into the 2008 automobile and quickly turned the ignition on to successfully start the car and claim the grand prize of the 2008 Project Graduation.

“I have a 1991 vehicle that has had its share of maintenance issues, so this is very much welcomed and needed,” a very happy Corbey Christian said.  “I just appreciate Mr. Ferguson doing this for our school.”

So do many others.  The City of Broken Arrow proclaimed May 10 “Jerry Ferguson Day” in Broken Arrow in honor of his donating the car to Project Graduation.  State Superintendent Sandy Garrett also recognized Mr. Ferguson with a certificate of appreciation.

BAHS Principal Rob Armstrong said attendance at Project Graduation has increased to over 99% thanks in large part to Mr. Ferguson’s offering a chance at a new car to those new graduates who attend.

The BAHS PTSA and Best Buy combined to make sure that the four new graduates, who did not get the car, received a very special consolation prize.  Each of the four received a brand new laptop computer.