NATCHEZ &8212; Thirteen high school seniors gathered in the Natchez High auditorium Wednesday to receive what might be considered an early graduation present.

And it&8217;s from people they have never met &8212; in cash.

Through various fundraisers, the town of Randolph, Mass., amassed $10,200, then asked Mayor Phillip West what Hurricane Katrina evacuees in Natchez could best use the money for.

After consulting with other local leaders, West decided the way to do the most good with that amount of money would be to help pay their graduation expenses.

&8220;We were just trying to figure out something that would have a really significant impact,&8221; West said.

West said he will now try to figure out a way to use the remaining $3,000 to help the children of evacuees remaining in Natchez.

The more than $500 checks West handed out to each of the 11 NHS and two Cathedral seniors Wednesday, along with their parents, can be used for caps and gowns, class rings, invitations and the like.

&8220;It&8217;s nice of them&8221; to think of us,&8221; said New Orleans evacuee David Vernett.

&8220;I&8217;m just grateful,&8221; Dontrell Guy said, looking down shyly at one point.

Natchez High Principal James Lofton said most evacuees had not yet ordered graduation materials.

&8220;So this is very important, and very helpful, to them,&8221; he said.

&8220;We appreciate them thinking of us at this hour,&8221; district Superintendent Anthony Morris said, adding that he plans to call to thank the leaders of Randolph&8217;s fund-raising effort in person.

&8220;This is not my generosity,&8221; West told the students and their parents. &8220;It&8217;s theirs.&8221;

Shortly after Hurricane Katrina tore its way through New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, the town of Randolph, Mass., &8220;adopted&8221; Natchez as a relief project.

Its schools have raised money and gathered supplies to help equip children that evacuated from hard-hit areas to Natchez&8217;s schools.

Randolph schools have sent thousands of dollars in donations. And before Christmas, the town&8217;s residents dropped off loads of toys to ship to Natchez.