Graduation season is once again upon us. Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron and the men and women of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend congratulations to St. Mary’s County Classes of 2010. “Graduating Seniors have reached an important milestone in their lives and should be very proud of their hard work, dedication and significant accomplishment.” (Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron)
Graduates will be celebrating their successes in a number of ways over the next few weeks. We hope graduates will make mature decisions and avoid risky behaviors which, unfortunately, have been associated with graduation celebrations of the past including the consumption of alcoholic beverages, distractions while driving and the use of illegal substances. We encourage graduates to participate in community-supported alcohol-free and drug-free celebrations such as “Project Graduation” and “Play It Safe”.
Since 1984 the St. Mary’s County Optimist Club, in cooperation with the St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office, local law enforcement and volunteers, has funded and supported “Project Graduation”. The Patuxent River Naval Air Station graciously hosts the Project Graduation Party the night of graduation. Graduates and guests sign a contract agreeing not to leave the party and to remain alcohol and drug free. Once the contract is signed, students are transported to and from the Patuxent River Naval Air Station where they are treated to free food and beverages along with a number of fun activities such as bowling, movies, basketball, swimming, volleyball, racquetball and other carnival-like festivities.
Many graduates will travel to Ocean City, Maryland to celebrate. “Since 1989 Ocean City has sponsored “PLAY IT SAFE”. “The mission of “PLAY IT SAFE” is to encourage high school graduates to make informed, healthy choices while having responsible fun without the use of alcohol and other drugs. “PLAY IT SAFE” sponsors free special alcohol-free and drug-free events during the month of June honoring high school graduates who choose to celebrate their graduation in Ocean City, Maryland.” (Play It Safe Website, 2009)
“Play It Safe” is sponsored by the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce and their local businesses. Graduating seniors must register and will each receive a wristband. The graduates are then treated to free bus transportation throughout Ocean City along with numerous free activities including windsurfing, kayaking, miniature golf, laser tag and rock climbing. For more information on how graduating seniors can enjoy these free events visit www.playitsafeoceancity.com
“Be proud, enjoy the moment and celebrate responsibly. This is the beginning of your bright and successful future. Congratulations.” (Sheriff Timothy K. Cameron)
