To the editor:

If a village is needed to raise a child, it must take several communities to support a group of 200 students.

The 2012 Mount Ararat Project Graduation Committee wants to take a moment to acknowledge local businesses and individuals for all of the help and encouragement they provided this past fall.

In October, the 2012 MTA Project Grad Committee hosted a golf tournament at The Highlands. While several teams took to the course sponsored by Rob Williams Real Estate, A& T Fuel, Northeast Marine Survey Inc. and Michaud’s Market, Cook’s Lobster House donated a gift certificate for an auction.

Continuing on in October, the Ninety Nine Restaurant in Topsham donated raffle money along with a percentage of the day’s proceeds from its 10th anniversary celebration.

Another local business owner, Jerry Perron of the Music Center, contributed to the raffle’s success.

Linda Paisley, Janet McClintock, Merkle Muller and Joan Carney supported the students through the Rent a Senior Program, which has students working on home projects.

Community members purchased candles and wreaths either from students or at the crafts fair at Mt. Ararat High School in November. Sunset Farms met all the wreath requests with timeliness and professionalism.

Finally, the students’ wreath goals were met only with the assistance of The Highlands, its residents and Wright-Pierce. Students are well on their way to accomplishing their goals, not only with fundraising, but more importantly with completing their high school education.

We offer our heartfelt thanks for the ongoing individual and collective support from the local communities.

Marie Dickson

Topsham