It is graduation time in Southern Maryland. High school seniors across the region march to Pomp and Circumstance, toss their tassel, and ready themselves for life in the outside world.
Unfortunately, for a sad few, graduation means attending a party, getting drunk and ending their life before learning what the world is all about. While specific statistics are not available, it is a fact that each year, over 6,000 high school age children are killed in traffic accidents. Of those, over 36% are alcohol related.
Enter Project Graduation.
Since 1984, the Maryland States Attorney, in cooperation with the Department of the Navy, Patuxent River NAS, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Department, Maryland States Troopers, The Optimist Club and school volunteers, has funded Project Graduation.
Each St. Mary’s High School sponsors an after-graduation party. Graduates are provided free transportation to and from the Project Graduation Party and everything throughout the evening is free.
When they arrive, newly matriculated students are asked to sign a contract stating that they will not leave the party. Once the contract is signed, students can bowl, see current movie releases, play basketball, enjoy Sumo Wrestling blow up suits and other carnival-like attractions, go swimming, play volleyball and more.
Lt. Ed. Willenborg, Commander Special Operations Division of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Department stated, “It is a great fun time and the Sheriff’s Office and State Troopers are there to make sure it is safe for all in attendance.”
Sergeant Steven Hall, of St. Mary’s Sheriff’s Office, said, “The program is so successful now that everyone is expected to go to the project graduation after they graduate.”
Both Willenborg and Hall admit they, as recently graduated students, attended the very first Project Graduation party in 1984. Hall said, “I have made every one, whether as a student or in some volunteer or official capacity.”
One thing is certain, the food and the fun will be plentiful until the party wraps up some time after 4 a.m. following their diploma ceremony. After a night of fun, all will arrive alive and be ready to take on the world.
