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 of the four St. Mary’s High schools 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.
See slideshow below for pictures from one of the four Project Graduation events held this week.